Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. TongueType: TongueType is a privacy-focused macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text on-device using a local Whisper AI model. This comparison weighs them on pricing, features, and everyday workflow fit.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and TongueType when transcribing recorded audio or video files locally, such as meeting or interview recordings matters most. Run both through a week of actual calls to see which suits your workflow.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
TongueType is a privacy-focused macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text on-device using a local Whisper AI model.
Aiko is a native transcription app for macOS, iOS, and visionOS, developed by Sindre Sorhus, that converts speech to text from meetings, lectures, and recordings entirely on-device. It uses OpenAI's Whisper model running locally, so audio never leaves the user's device, which makes it appealing for students and professionals with privacy requirements. Aiko transcribes both audio and video files in common formats such as .m4a, .wav, .mp3, .mp4, and .mov, and supports around 100 languages. Transcriptions can be exported in multiple formats, including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles, and the app includes a word-replacement feature to automatically correct recurring errors. It also integrates with Apple Shortcuts for automation workflows. Because Aiko prioritizes accuracy over speed, it does not perform live transcription while recording and currently does not include speaker detection, so it is best for transcribing recorded lectures, interviews, and meetings after the fact. The app is offered as a Universal Purchase with a free trial via TestFlight, making it a low-cost, privacy-first option for turning lecture and meeting recordings into searchable text. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
TongueType is a voice dictation application for macOS that converts speech to text entirely on-device using a locally-run Whisper AI model, so audio never leaves the Mac. It lives in the menu bar with no dock icon, and works as a press-to-talk input method: the user holds a configurable hotkey (or uses a double-tap latch), speaks, and the transcribed text is inserted at the cursor in any application that accepts text input. Beyond live dictation, it can transcribe audio and video files (such as WAV, MP3, MP4, and MOV). It supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, with automatic language detection, plus customizable post-processing rules, overlay appearance, and microphone options. Preferences can sync across Macs via iCloud. It requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon (M1 or later). The app is aimed at people who want faster text entry than typing, professionals needing quick transcription, and users with typing difficulties (arthritis, RSI, tremor, and similar accessibility needs).
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); TongueType is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | TongueType |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | On-device speech-to-text using a local Whisper AI model (no cloud) |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Press-to-talk hotkey dictation with double-tap latch, inserting text at the cursor in any app |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Audio and video file transcription (WAV, MP3, MP4, MOV) |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Multi-language support with automatic language detection (English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and more) |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Customizable post-processing rules, overlay appearance, and microphone options |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | iCloud sync of preferences across multiple Macs |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
TongueType
Choose TongueType if you need dictating text into any macos application instead of typing — strengths include fully on-device processing with no servers or accounts, strong for privacy.
Aiko
TongueType
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while TongueType is strong for dictating text into any macos application instead of typing. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and TongueType is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Often yes: teams combine tools when one handles capture and another handles analysis.
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