The best iPhone dictation apps and voice keyboards compared by iOS version, offline use, free limits and price, including Wispr Flow and Superwhisper.
For most people, start with Apple Dictation, which is built in with no charge listed. Move to a voice keyboard if you want filler words removed and text cleaned up automatically. Wispr Flow is a strong cloud option, Superwhisper and Utter can work offline, and Spokenly has free on-device models.
Your iOS version may decide this for you. Superwhisper requires iOS 26, while most others run on iOS 18 or earlier.
Utter publishes this guide and is one of the apps listed. Details come from official pages and App Store listings, checked November 1, 2026. No hands-on accuracy test was run.
Third-party dictation on iPhone works through a custom keyboard. You install the app, add its keyboard in Settings, turn on Full Access, then switch to it in any app that supports custom keyboards. Wispr Flow says setup completes only after Full Access is detected, and Utter’s keyboard also requires Full Access.
Apple Dictation is different. It lives in the system keyboard, so there is nothing to install.
| App | iOS minimum | Works offline on iPhone | Free route | Paid price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Dictation | Built in | Yes, in many languages | Built in | None |
| Wispr Flow | iOS 18.3 | No, internet required | 750 words a week | $15 a month |
| Superwhisper | iOS 26.0 | Yes, with on-device models | Up to 2 modes, no AI | $8.49 a month |
| Utter | iOS 18.0 | Yes, on compatible iPhones | Local models or your own API keys | $6.99 a month |
| Spokenly | iOS 16 to 16.4, sources differ | Yes, with local models | On-device models, no word caps | App Store prices vary |
| Willow Voice | iOS 18.0 | Not stated for iPhone | Basic plan | $15 a month |
| Aqua Voice | iOS 17 or 26, sources differ | Internet needed for cloud dictation | 1,000 words | $12.99 a month on the App Store |
| VoiceInk | iOS 17.0 | Yes, with local models | Free during beta | One-time after beta |
| Monologue | iOS 17.6 | No, audio goes to its servers | Trial of 1,000 words | $14.99 a month on the App Store |
| Typeless | iOS 16.1 | Transcription is performed on the cloud | Limited words each week | $30 a month on its website |
Prices are the monthly rate. Yearly plans are cheaper, and the dictation app pricing comparison lists them. Aqua’s site gives iOS 17 while its App Store listing gives iOS 26, so check your device on the listing.
Yes, if you want cleanup. Apple’s iPhone guide does not list filler removal or rewriting. Apps like Wispr Flow, Willow, Typeless and Utter describe removing filler words and tidying text as you speak.
Stay with Apple’s microphone if plain text is enough. It needs nothing installed and no Full Access. Apple also says an on-device model improves spelling, punctuation and capitalization in English on iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air or later.
Apple Dictation is the simplest. For a dedicated keyboard, Spokenly says its on-device models are free with no word caps, and Utter has no subscription charge for local models or your own API keys. Wispr Flow’s free plan is blocked at 750 words a week on iOS, so it suits light use.
Superwhisper, Spokenly, VoiceInk and Utter describe on-device models on iPhone. Utter’s App Store listing says you can dictate and rewrite offline on a compatible iPhone after downloading the models once, and the offline guide explains the steps.
Keep two things in mind. Apple notes that text dictated into a search field may be sent to the search engine. And an on-device speech model does not make a cloud rewrite step local, so test the mode you will use with your connection off.
Pick an app with both versions, and check that one purchase covers them. Superwhisper uses one key across platforms, and Aqua Voice says one subscription covers all four platforms. VoiceInk’s Mac license does not cover iPhones. Utter runs on both, and activation follows where you bought it.
Apple Dictation is the best free starting point. For automatic cleanup, Wispr Flow is a strong cloud option, and Superwhisper or Utter suit people who want offline use. The right one depends on your iOS version and budget.
Yes. It needs iOS 18.3 or later and works as a keyboard you switch to in another app. It requires an internet connection, and it does not support iPad.
Yes. Its App Store listing requires iOS 26.0 or later, it works as a custom keyboard, and iPad is not supported.
Apps such as Wispr Flow and Utter require it for their keyboards. Full Access is a broad iOS permission, so read each app’s privacy policy before you turn it on.
Claims come from official product pages, documentation and App Store listings linked above, checked November 1, 2026. “Not stated” means the checked pages did not say, and not that a feature is missing. Vendor statements were not independently tested. See also Best Dictation Software 2026.
