Microsoft, Apple, Android and Google all produce free voice recognition software which is built into devices or can be downloaded.
Select an option below.
Windows has good voice recognition capability built into its operating system. This enables you to dictate to the computer and it will turn your spoken thoughts and ideas into text.
On Windows 11 22H2 and later, Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) is being replaced by Voice Access starting September 2024. Older versions of Windows will continue to have WSR available.
Full information at Voice recognition guide
Live Speech is the name for Apple's dictation built-in software. You can also create a bank of saved phrases you use regularly. There is also a Personal Voice option which allows you to create a voice that sounds like your own. You can use Voice Control to operate your Mac or your iPhone / iPad.
Speech recognition can be activated when typing on your Android device.
If this facility is available in the app you are using, a microphone icon will appear on the keypad. Pressing this activates the speech recognition.
You should be able to access any other voice recognition or voice control software on your device by going to Settings and then Accessibility
You can speak to write and edit documents on Google Docs. It supports a large number of different languages. This facility is currently only available on your computer when using the Chrome browser, (although the Google Docs app for Android and iOS does have this facility too).
It also requires an internet connection and Google account.
Please note: your speech is sent to Google's servers in order to turn it into text. You can use the built-in microphone on your computer if you have one. A good headset microphone works best though, as it helps cut out any background noise.