TalkType vs Inbuilt Tools

See why people are choosing TalkType over inbuilt tools for dictation software

What inbuilt tools are we talking about?

Some examples include Apple Dictation, Apple Enhanced Dictation, Siri, Windows Dictation, Windows Speech Recognition, Microsoft Copilot Dictation, and Microsoft Office Dictation.

How we’ve stepped it up

What makes TalkType better

Unbelievable accuracy

Unlike built-in voice recognition tools in Windows and Mac, TalkType offers superior dictation accuracy, outperforming all the major cloud providers including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, and supporting continuous speech without time limits.

Advanced capabilities

Built-in dictation tools are not designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind and lack advanced correction and editing tools. This results in TalkType being a far superior tool because it overcomes these barriers by offering custom vocabulary support, and a more reliable user experience with fewer interruptions.

Integrates across platforms and devices

TalkType works across all platforms and devices, unlike inbuilt solutions – this ensures that users receive a consistent experience regardless of where they are working.

This also allows organisations to better manage administration and better understand uptake of tools.

Award-winning customer support

TalkType users have access to our award winning, UK-based, support team – unlike inbuilt solutions with which users won’t receive the same level of assistance with user or technical issues for specific tools.

This also means users gain consistent support across different platforms and systems – i.e. Mac versus PC and Google.

The definitive breakdown

TalkType vs Inbuilt Tools

Feature	TalkType	Inbuilt	Why this matters
Industry-leading accuracy			Critical for usability – free tools often struggle with diverse speech patterns or noisy environments
Customisable dictionaries			Enables correct spelling of subject-specific or technical terms – essential in education and the workplace
Choose your dictionary			Tailors experience for different contexts for example writing essays vs taking clinical notes
Assistive tech integrations			Works seamlessly with other AT tools users may rely on for example screen readers and notetakers
Works across all programs			TalkType isn’t tied to specific apps or operating systems making it ideal for BYOD and diverse workflows
Audio cleaning			Enhances accuracy by eliminating background noise – key for shared learning spaces or busy working locations
Automatic real-time punctuation			Makes spoken text immediately usable in academic and formal writing
AI writing tools			Helps polish and refine dictated content – great for users with executive function challenges
Post-dictation proofreading			Empowers users to independently review and edit their work
Cross-platform syncing			Supports mobile dictation and device switching making it ideal for flexible study and work.
UK based, speedy customer support			Our dedicated, UK based team are here to ensure you’re not waiting when you need support fast
Supports continuous speech without time limits			Lets users speak naturally for as long as they need – no interruptions or cut-offs, which is crucial for flow and complex thoughts
Created with accessibility in mind			Usability and inclusion are built in, not bolted on
Advanced correction and editing tools			Gives users confidence to easily fix mistakes and refine their work without starting over
Custom shortcuts			Boosts productivity and reduces cognitive load
Font customisation			Supports readability preferences, including for users with dyslexia or visual stress
Switch between dark and light mode			Offers visual comfort for different lighting conditions and personal needs

Watch how TalkType performs compared to an inbuilt tool

Comparison Video

Everything you need to know

FAQs

How does TalkType integrate with mainstream applications?

TalkType integrates seamlessly with word processors, email clients, and online platforms, ensuring users can dictate text directly into their preferred applications without compatibility issues. Unlike built-in tools, which require specific apps or have limited functionality, TalkType provides a consistent, high-performance dictation experience across a range of platforms.

TalkType also offers accessibility features such as font customisation to support Dyslexic individuals, option to increase font sizes & screen contrast.

What are the most common reasons users switch from in-built software to TalkType?

Many users have switched from built-in dictation tools due to TalkType’s higher accuracy and reliability. Users report that built-in tools are frustratingly inaccurate, frequently misinterpret speech, or cut off mid-sentence. TalkType’s ability to handle longer dictation sessions without interruptions and its improved recognition of complex terminology have been key factors in users making the switch.

Ultimately, a dictation tool is designed to enable the user to stay in the flow of writing with their voice. Inbuilt tools lack the accuracy to allow someone to stay in the flow of writing due to the fact that the user will have to make corrections so frequently.

How does TalkType improve usability, efficiency, and accessibility for users compared to mainstream accessibility features?

TalkType offers a faster, more accurate dictation experience with a user-friendly interface designed for ease of use and accessibility in mind. It reduces the need for manual corrections, allows for custom words & shortcuts, and offers the ability to dictate into any applications that don’t offer a native dictation functionality.

Examples of TalkType supporting users with disabilities in ways that built-in tools can not

For users with dyslexia, TalkType provides a fast & efficient way to produce written content without relying on traditional typing, reducing cognitive load and frustration. For users with physical disabilities, the software offers a hands-free, continuous dictation experience that is significantly more reliable than built-in tools, enabling smoother workflow and improved productivity due to its ease of use.

TalkType also allows for dictation into other word processors such as Google docs, notepads, microsoft word & any other word processor with unmatched accuracy when comparing to inbuilt solutions.

What are the key limitations of built-in accessibility features that TalkType addresses?

Built-in dictation tools in comparison to TalkType struggle with accuracy, especially for users with speech impairments or strong accents. They’re also not designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind and lack advanced correction and editing tools. This results in TalkType being a far superior tool because it overcomes these barriers by offering custom vocabulary support, and a more reliable user experience with fewer interruptions across multiple devices.

How does TalkType differ from the built-in accessibility features of Windows, MS Office, and Mac?

TalkType is a highly accurate dictation software designed specifically for accessibility and productivity. Unlike built-in voice recognition tools in Windows and Mac, TalkType offers superior dictation accuracy, supports continuous speech without time limits, and provides a more intuitive and efficient user interface tailored for students and with accessibility in mind.

Don’t take our word for it

What people are saying

TalkType is a great product! I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sam Hutchby

Since 2008, I’ve been using every voice recognition software available for the Mac. To date, TalkType is the best voice recognition software that has ever been available on Mac

David Edwards

TalkType’s accuracy is honestly amazing. It’s like magic