Check the Windows version
Voice Access requires Windows 11 22H2 or later. Dragon Professional v16 and WhisperJot support Windows 10; WhisperJot requires 64-bit 22H2.
Sourced roundup · Updated 2026-09-05
Best speech recognition software for Windows
Best speech recognition software for Windows
in 2026, by Windows version
We separated Windows 11 built-ins from desktop apps that also support Windows 10. Voice typing is online text entry, Voice Access adds offline PC control after setup, and Dragon and WhisperJot serve different desktop dictation workflows.
WhisperJot is our product. Competitor facts come from each vendor's public pages and were last verified on the dates shown.
Method
How we picked
Separate online and offline
Windows 11 voice typing uses online recognition. Voice Access downloads a model during setup, then recognizes speech on-device.
Avoid legacy setup instructions
Windows Speech Recognition deprecation was announced in December 2023. Voice Access replaced it on Windows 11 22H2 and later in September 2024.
Options
Best speech recognition software for Windows options
Numbered for scanning, not as a ranking. Each pick is tagged with what it is best for.
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Windows voice typing
Microsoft
Best for: Quick built-in text entry
Windows voice typing is the built-in starting point for short text on Windows 11. Put the cursor in a text box and press Windows key plus H, then speak into a working microphone. Recognition happens online, so an internet connection is required. Automatic punctuation and editing commands help with everyday text. Microsoft documents 40+ languages and locales. Choose it for convenient text entry when you do not need offline recognition or broader desktop control.
Included with Windows
Verified 2026-09-05
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Windows Voice Access
Microsoft
Best for: Offline Windows control and text
Voice Access combines PC control with spoken text entry on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. Its on-device speech recognition works without an internet connection after the initial setup downloads a language model. This makes it a different choice from online Windows voice typing: consider it when operating the computer by voice matters alongside dictation. Check Microsoft's supported languages during setup, and use the microphone setup step before trying your usual applications and editing tasks.
Included with Windows
Verified 2026-09-05
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Dragon Professional v16
Nuance Communications, a Microsoft company
Best for: Windows macros and detailed corrections
Dragon Professional v16 is Windows desktop dictation with custom voice commands, macros, and a detailed correction workflow. Recognition runs locally on the PC and works offline; downloading, activation, and updates use the internet. It supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. Nuance does not publish direct pricing, so request a licensing quote before comparing costs. This desktop product is distinct from cloud-hosted Dragon Medical One. Dragon for Mac was discontinued in October 2018.
Contact licensing; no published direct price
Verified August 24, 2026
Compare with Dragon Professional v16 → -
WhisperJot
FastProducts LLC
Best for: Local Windows 10 and 11 dictation
WhisperJot is a general-purpose desktop dictation app for macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 10+ x64, and Linux in beta. Jot Local and Jot Local Pro run on-device by default and work offline after the initial model download. Custom vocabulary and voice commands are included. Optional Jot Cloud is opt-in, used only while selected, and audio is never stored on our servers. There is no free tier; the 30-second browser demo lets you try a short dictation.
$99/year, $30 every three months, or $199 lifetime; no free tier
See WhisperJot pricing →
Summary
Best speech recognition software for Windows compared
| Product | Best for | Price | Runs where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows voice typing | Quick built-in text entry | Included with Windows | Windows 11; internet required |
| Windows Voice Access | Offline Windows control and text | Included with Windows | Windows 11 22H2+; offline after setup |
| Dragon Professional v16 | Windows macros and detailed corrections | Contact licensing; no published direct price | Windows 10 and 11 |
| WhisperJot | Local Windows 10 and 11 dictation | $99/year, $30 every three months, or $199 lifetime; no free tier | macOS 14+ Apple Silicon, Windows 10+ x64, Linux (beta) |
Questions
Best speech recognition software for Windows FAQ
What speech recognition software works on Windows 10?
Dragon Professional v16 supports Windows 10 as well as Windows 11. WhisperJot's stable Windows app supports Windows 10 64-bit 22H2 and later, with local recognition after the model download. Voice Access is a Windows 11 feature requiring 22H2 or later, so it is not a Windows 10 option.
What happened to Windows Speech Recognition?
Microsoft announced the deprecation of Windows Speech Recognition in December 2023. Voice Access replaced it on Windows 11 22H2 and later in September 2024, while older Windows versions retain the legacy feature. For a new Windows 11 setup, follow Voice Access instructions rather than an older Windows Speech Recognition tutorial.
Is Windows voice typing the same as Voice Access?
No. Windows 11 voice typing starts with Windows key plus H in a text box and needs internet for recognition. Voice Access combines text entry with PC control and uses on-device recognition after downloading a language model. Choose based on whether you need quick text entry or a broader voice-operated workflow.
See sourced one-on-one pages in alternatives or the broader dictation app comparison.
Choose where your dictation runs.
Use local transcription by default, or explicitly opt in to Jot Cloud when you select it.