Is there a speech to text extension for Google Docs?

Yes, there are Chrome extensions that add speech to text to Google Docs, but you do not need one. Google's voice typing is built into Docs, and we found no separate Google extension for it. Third-party extensions such as Voice In say they add voice typing to Google Docs ¹. Before you install one, read its store listing's privacy section, because listings can disclose the personal data a developer handles. One Speech to Text listing names personally identifiable information among that data ².

Google Docs already has voice typing, so an extension is optional

Voice typing is part of Google Docs, and you start it from the Tools menu in a supported browser. The feature works in Chrome, Edge and Safari ³, so the built-in route covers most computers.

The built-in feature has limits, and an extension will not remove all of them. Google's help page says that voice typing and captions work in Google Docs and in Google Slides speaker notes ⁴, and it does not list Google Sheets. Our overview of Google Docs voice typing covers the other limits.

Chrome extensions add voice typing, and their listings describe their data

Several Chrome extensions offer dictation in web pages, and some name Google Docs in their listings. Voice In's Chrome Web Store listing says it provides voice typing in ChatGPT, Gmail, Google Docs and more than 10,000 sites, in 50 or more languages ¹. A listing is the developer's own description, so treat its claims as claims until you check them.

Read three parts of the listing before you install one. The privacy section shows which kinds of data the developer handles. One Speech to Text listing, for example, lists personally identifiable information and authentication information among that data ². The same listing also says that voice transcription is handled locally or through encrypted channels ⁵, which is a statement to check against the privacy policy, not a guarantee. Also check the permissions the extension asks for, and whether it works in the browser you use.

Your computer's dictation also types into Google Docs

You do not need an extension to type into Docs by voice, because your computer's own dictation works in any text box. On a Mac, Apple says that Dictation lets you speak to enter text in any place where you can type ⁶. Docs in a browser is one such place, so the Mac's Dictation can be a choice in addition to Docs' own voice typing. Our question on Mac dictation in Google Docs covers the details.

On Windows, you start voice typing by pressing the Windows key and H together on a hardware keyboard ⁷. Microsoft says that voice typing needs an internet connection, a working microphone and the cursor in a text box before it types what you say ⁸. Our question on Windows voice typing in Google Docs explains the setup.

Choose by where the text goes and where the audio goes

For many people the first step is Google's own voice typing, which needs no install. Use an extension only when you need its extra feature, and read its listing first. Use your computer's dictation when you need speech in more than one app.

Where Yap fits

Yap, which we make, is an on-device dictation app for Mac and Windows, so it is one option for dictation outside Docs. If you want dictation across apps rather than an extension inside Chrome, start with the download page. Compare it with the built-in options above before you decide.

For a wider comparison of Chrome options, read our answer on the best speech to text extension for Chrome. Our guide to speech to text in Chrome covers the built-in and extension routes in one place. For the terms used here, see voice typing and the Google Docs entry.