VoiceGecko

VoiceGecko is a free, open-source desktop application that turns your speech into text instantly and runs entirely on your device. It works across virtually any desktop app — Slack, VS Code, Discord, Jira, GitHub, Telegram, and more — so you can dictate anywhere you type. The app processes audio locally using on-device speech models, meaning your voice and transcripts never leave your computer. No account is required, and the software is released under the MIT license.

The core experience revolves around the GeckoBar, a persistent interactive bar that lets you start and stop dictation with a click or a custom keyboard shortcut. VoiceGecko includes a searchable history stored in local SQLite, so you never lose work. You can also build a custom dictionary to teach it your vocabulary — technical terms, product names, industry jargon — ensuring accurate transcription every time. The app claims to be up to 5x faster than average typing, with speaking speeds around 200 words per minute versus 40 for typing.

VoiceGecko is built for developers, content creators, and anyone who spends hours typing. It's especially useful for dictating detailed specifications, writing prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT, or capturing ideas without breaking your flow. Because everything stays local, it's a strong choice for privacy-conscious users who want the convenience of voice dictation without sending data to the cloud.