Is there a device that types what you say?

No single device types what you say by itself. The typing is done by software, which runs on a computer or phone, and a microphone supplies the voice. The device you already own is usually enough, because Mac, Windows and Android all include a free tool for this. Dedicated hardware exists too, but it still depends on software that does the recognition. The dictation machine guide places these devices in the wider history of dictation.

The typing is done by software, and the device supplies the voice

Speech recognition turns sound into text, and that work happens in software. A device that seems to type for you is a microphone plus a program that writes the words into the text box that has the cursor. Microsoft describes its tool in these terms: voice typing needs a working microphone, an internet connection and the cursor in a text box ¹.

For the same reason, a "voice typing device" is usually a computer, phone or microphone with dictation software installed. The what is dictation guide explains the terms and how they differ on each platform.

Built-in tools on your computer and phone cost nothing

Most people already have a dictation tool. The table lists the common ones, with the claim each source supports.

The table shows that the tools differ in where the work happens. On a Mac, Apple says you can check whether general text Dictation is processed on the device. On Windows, voice typing needs an internet connection. Google moved Gboard voice typing onto the phone in 2019 with an 80 MB recognizer that works offline, first on Pixel phones in American English ⁵. The date matters, so check your phone's current settings.

Dedicated hardware works through software on a computer

A dedicated dictation device is a microphone with extra controls. The Philips SpeechMike is the clearest example. Its buttons send commands to software. Philips' manual says you can control various applications on your computer or in your browser with them ⁶ ( Philips button modes). On the SpeechMike, Event mode is the default mode ⁷.

Philips also presents the SpeechMike as the successor to Nuance's PowerMic 3 and 4 ⁸. That is the vendor's own claim. The SpeechMike question covers the device in more detail.

Choose the device by the job it has to do

• You want to type into a document or message on the computer you have. Use the built-in tool first. It costs nothing, and you can test it in a few minutes.
• You need physical buttons for a shared office workflow. A dictation microphone such as the SpeechMike adds buttons, but it still needs its own software.
• You need speech handled on the device, not sent to a server. Check the setting on your device. The on-device speech recognition entry explains the term, and the question on accuracy explains the trade-off.

Yap, which we make, is an on-device dictation app for Mac and Windows, so it is a software option if you do not want a dedicated device. You can see current options on the download page.

Hardware and built-in tools share the same first checks

Whether you use a built-in tool or a dedicated device, the first checks are the microphone input and the connection. Check that the right microphone is selected, that the cursor is in a text box, and that the device has power. Our dictation not working guide covers these checks in order.

For related questions, read what is a SpeechMike, what is a dictation foot pedal and can you use a voice recorder for dictation.

For the whole subject, see the dictation overview.