Which Dragon alternatives also control the computer by voice?

Three replacements control the computer by voice, not just the text: Windows Voice Access and Apple's Voice Control are built into their systems, and Talon is a separate tool that runs on more platforms. Dragon NaturallySpeaking did both jobs, so these are the closest replacements for its hands-free side. Each works differently, and the one that fits depends on your operating system, your language and how much control you need.

Voice Access and Voice Control are the built-in replacements

On Windows, Voice Access is the replacement for Dragon's hands-free control. Microsoft says it is available for Windows 11, version 22H2 or later ¹. Its language list is short: Microsoft lists five English locales that Voice Access currently supports ². If you dictate in another language, Voice Access will not cover that work.

Its offline behavior is the strongest point in its favor. Windows 11 Voice Access controls the PC and writes text by voice without an internet connection ³. The setup is the exception, and the question on free alternatives to Dragon covers that one-time step.

On a Mac, the replacement is Apple's Voice Control. Apple says that once it is on, you can speak commands to navigate the desktop and apps, interact with what is on the screen, and dictate and edit text ⁴. It supports fewer languages than Dictation does. Apple lists 20 language and regional variants for Voice Control, about a third of the number for Dictation ⁵.

The Mac version has one setting you must understand before you start. Dictation mode types every word that is not a command, so a command you say can end up as typed text. Apple advises turning on Command mode so that Voice Control "only responds to commands and does not type them as text" ⁶. Turn it on before you rely on Voice Control for control rather than dictation, and check the setting if commands start appearing in your document.

Talon is the third-party option for wider control

Talon is the replacement to test when the built-in tools do not cover your work. Its home page offers downloads for macOS, Windows and Linux (X11) ⁷. It is the only option in this list that runs on Linux, which Voice Access and Voice Control do not. The home page describes it as "powerful hands-free input" and lists four uses: writing, coding, browsing and gaming ⁸.

Talon's home page does not state its price, and we did not find its license terms on that page. Do not assume it is free or paid until you have checked its own site. The same applies to its learning curve: we did not test its setup, so this page cannot say how long it takes to learn.

It depends on your platform, your language and your commands

The right replacement follows from three checks. Work through them in order.

• Platform. On Windows 11, Voice Access is the built-in option. On a Mac, Voice Control is the built-in option. On Linux, Talon is the option this list offers.
• Language. Voice Access lists five English locales and Voice Control lists 20 variants in total. If your dictation is in another language, check the tool's own list before you commit to it.
• Commands. Write down the three Dragon commands you used most, then test each replacement with them. A tool that handles most of your commands but not the one you rely on will still slow you down.

For the difference between dictating text and controlling the computer, see the question on dictation versus voice control. The glossary defines voice control as the wider term that covers both kinds of tool.

What to do before you replace Dragon's hands-free work

1. List the apps you control by voice. Name the three apps you use most. The test below runs on those.
2. Confirm your platform and version. Voice Access needs Windows 11, version 22H2 or later, and Voice Control needs a Mac. Check the version against the requirements before you install.
3. Try the built-in tool first. Turn on Voice Access or Voice Control and try the commands on each of your three apps. Note every command that fails.
4. On a Mac, set Command mode. Use Apple's Command mode setting so commands are not typed as text while you are testing.
5. Read Talon's site before you install. Check its price, its license and its platform list on talonvoice.com, and confirm that your operating system is on the list.

If you need more than control, such as cleaning up dictated text, read the question on whether AI dictation is better than Dragon, which covers the accuracy evidence for AI tools. For the full list of options, read the guide to Dragon NaturallySpeaking alternatives, and for the whole subject, start at dictation software.