AI Speech-to-Text

Wave

A native macOS dictation app that turns your voice into text instantly. Local Whisper for complete privacy or Groq for real-time speed. No accounts. No friction.

What is Wave?

Wave is a free, open-source macOS dictation app that converts speech to text using on-device Whisper or Groq API, enabling fast, private voice typing in any application.

How to use Wave?

  1. 1Hold the Right Option key to start dictation.
  2. 2Speak clearly or describe what you want to write.
  3. 3Release the key to insert text at your cursor.
  4. 4For selection mode, highlight text first, then hold the shortcut and speak an instruction to rewrite it.

Wave Key Features

  • One-key activation: press and hold Right Option to start dictation
  • Privacy: Whisper runs on-device, no cloud processing
  • AI Mode: describe intent and get polished text
  • Groq speed: option for low-latency transcription with Groq
  • Offline: works without internet when using Whisper
  • Direct insertion: text appears at cursor without extra paste
  • Selection mode: highlight text and speak to rewrite in place
  • Free and open source

Wave Use Cases

  • Drafting emails and messages
  • Taking notes in meetings or class
  • Writing documents and articles
  • Creating content in any macOS app that accepts text input
  • Quickly entering text while multitasking

Wave Pricing & Free Credits

Wave currently operates on a Free model.

Free

$0

Wave is completely free and open source. Users may bring their own Groq API key for faster transcription, but the app itself requires no payment.

Wave Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 100% free and open source
  • Privacy-focused with on-device processing
  • Works offline with local Whisper
  • Simple one-key activation
  • AI mode for intent-based writing
  • Selection mode for inline rewriting
  • No account required
  • Low latency with optional Groq

Cons

  • macOS only (no Windows or Linux support)
  • Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
  • Local Whisper may be slower on older Macs
  • No built-in text editing or formatting

What is Wave best for?

  • Privacy-conscious users
  • Offline dictation needs
  • Writers and content creators
  • Developers and professionals
  • Anyone looking for a lightweight dictation tool

Wave FAQ

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