A Wispr Flow alternative for Mac
Updated 12 October 2026
Kords is a Mac-only voice dictation app that works on your Mac by default and never rewrites your words. Wispr Flow is a cloud-based dictation tool that also runs on Windows and mobile. Pick Kords for on-device privacy and a free start on Mac. Pick Wispr Flow if you need other platforms.
The short version
- Choose Kords if you are on a Mac, want dictation that runs on your Mac unless you choose otherwise, and want your words left as you said them.
- Choose Wispr Flow if you need dictation on Windows, iPhone or Android as well as Mac.
Kords and Wispr Flow side by side
| Kords | Wispr Flow | |
|---|---|---|
| Where speech is processed | On your Mac by default. Cloud mode is optional | Cloud-based. See Wispr's privacy information |
| Platforms | Mac only (macOS 14 or later) | Mac, Windows and mobile, according to Wispr |
| Your words | Written as you said them. Fixes punctuation and drops ums and false starts, and Word for word does not even do that | AI clean-up of your speech is a core feature, according to Wispr |
| Free option | Free: unlimited on-device dictation and about 2,000 Cloud words a week | Has a free tier. See Wispr's pricing |
| Paid plans | Solo £6.99 a month, Duo £10.99, Family £19.99, or cheaper billed yearly | See Wispr's pricing |
| Start and stop | Hold to talk, or double-tap to lock on hands-free | Hotkey dictation. See Wispr |
| Your own names | A dictionary with sounds-like hints | A personal dictionary, according to Wispr |
Where Kords is different
- Private by default. On-device dictation sends no audio anywhere. Cloud mode, Voices and translation are optional and off until you switch them on.
- It does not reword you. Kords tidies punctuation and hesitations. The optional Voices change tone, such as contractions or an emoji, and are off in Word for word.
- Built for Mac. It is a native Mac app that lives in the menu bar, with a mouse-button shortcut option and British spelling and pounds.
- Plans for households. Duo and Family give each person their own account, history and dictionary on one bill.
Where Wispr Flow may suit you better
If you also dictate on a Windows PC, an iPhone or an Android phone, a tool that runs on all of them will fit better than a Mac-only app. Kords is Mac-only and plans to stay focused on doing that well.
Compared in October 2026 using what Wispr Flow says about itself. Products change, so check their own site for the latest. Wispr Flow is a trademark of its owner, and Kords is not affiliated with it.
Questions people ask
Is there a free alternative to Wispr Flow on Mac?
Kords is free to download and gives you unlimited on-device dictation, with about 2,000 Cloud words a week. Paid plans add Cloud accuracy, Voices and translation for all your dictation.
Is Kords more private than Wispr Flow?
Kords processes speech on your Mac by default and sends nothing unless you switch Cloud mode on. Wispr Flow describes itself as cloud-based, so read its privacy information to compare for yourself.
Does Kords work on Windows or iPhone?
No. Kords is for Mac only, and needs macOS 14 or later.