The best voice apps do more than just type what you say. This guide compares the top 6 options to help you find the right tool for how you work.
Most voice tools just transcribe your speech. A new category adds screen context to understand your intent and take action. The choice is between simple dictation and a true voice agent.
SuperWhisper and Wispr Flow are excellent Mac-only dictation tools. They offer high-quality transcription and a native feel for users who only need to type with their voice.
Cue works on Mac and Windows. It combines voice dictation with an AI agent that sees your screen context, letting you edit text, run commands, and control apps.
Here's a quick look at how Cue compares to the field.
| Feature | Cue | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Voice + screen contextSees your display + selection + app | ✓ | None offer this |
| AI Agent ActionsPolish, summarize, reformat | ✓ | None offer this |
| Platform SupportNative Mac & Windows apps | Mac & Windows | Most are Mac-only |
| Free TierGenerous free plan | Unlimited dictation | Most are paid only |
| Underlying AI ModelsClaude, Gemini, etc. | Claude + Gemini | See individual comparisons |
| Real-time TranslationSpeak in one language, type in another | ✓ | See individual comparisons |
| Custom CommandsCreate your own voice actions | ✓ | See individual comparisons |
| Developer Tool IntegrationWorks in VS Code, iTerm, etc. | Works in any app | See individual comparisons |
Most apps in this space offer a subscription or a one-time purchase.
Your answer to these questions will point you to the right app.
Other apps hear what you said. Cue also sees what you're doing. Select text and say 'make this more professional' or 'summarize this'. Cue understands the context of your selection and the app you're in, then acts. Dictation apps just type those words.
Cue works on both Mac and Windows. Most alternatives, including SuperWhisper, Wispr Flow, and Aqua Voice, are Mac-only. If you use multiple operating systems, Cue is your best option.
Cue offers unlimited dictation for free. Most competitors require a subscription or a significant one-time payment. You can try Cue's core features without any cost or commitment.
They hear what you said.
Cue sees what you're doing.
And does the thing, in any app.
We want you to find the right tool, even if it's not ours.
If you only use a Mac and need best-in-class, pure voice dictation, SuperWhisper is a great choice. It has a simple interface and focuses on one thing: turning your speech into text with high accuracy. It's a polished, dedicated tool for transcription.
Use Cue if you want more than just dictation. Cue is for users who want a voice agent that understands screen context to edit, summarize, and execute tasks. It's also the right choice if you work on both Mac and Windows or want a powerful free tier.
It depends on your needs. For pure, high-quality dictation on a Mac, SuperWhisper is a strong contender. For a voice AI agent that understands screen context and works on Mac and Windows, try Cue.
Voice dictation transcribes your speech into text. An AI agent, like Cue, understands your intent. It sees your screen, selected text, and active app to perform actions like 'summarize this' or 'reply to this email'.
Cue works on both Mac and Windows. Most popular alternatives in this category, such as SuperWhisper, Wispr Flow, and Aqua Voice, are currently Mac-only.
Cue offers unlimited voice dictation and 20 daily agent actions on its free tier, with no time limit. Most other apps require a paid plan for full functionality.
Most modern voice AI apps require an internet connection for the highest quality transcription. For a dedicated offline solution, MacWhisper provides good local models, though with some trade-offs in speed and accuracy.
Yes. Cue is designed to work universally in any application you use, including code editors like Cursor and VS Code, and terminals like iTerm. It captures your voice from a global hotkey.
Cue supports real-time voice translation into multiple languages. You can speak in one language and have it typed out in another. It's a core feature of the app.
Cue is built with developers in mind. Because it works in any app and can see your screen context, you can use it to write code, commit messages, or even interact with CLIs. Its agent can understand code snippets.
Unlimited voice dictation on day one. AI agent on day two. No credit card required.