BetterDictation: A macOS speech-to-text app that uses on-device Whisper to turn spoken words into typed text in any application. HiDock: AI note-taking hardware (docks, recorders, mini devices) paired with the HiNotes app to transcribe and summarize meetings. Which one wins depends on your platform mix, budget, and how hands-off you want notes to be.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist BetterDictation when dictating emails, documents, and notes hands-free across mac apps matters most, and HiDock when capturing phone calls and bluetooth-earphone conversations for notes matters most. Trial each on a few real meetings before you commit — the better fit usually shows fast.
A macOS speech-to-text app that uses on-device Whisper to turn spoken words into typed text in any application.
AI note-taking hardware (docks, recorders, mini devices) paired with the HiNotes app to transcribe and summarize meetings.
BetterDictation is a system-wide dictation tool for macOS that converts speech into typed text inside any application. Users trigger it with a keyboard shortcut (Option+Space) and can choose push-to-talk or toggle-to-talk modes; the transcribed text is then inserted directly where the cursor sits. It runs OpenAI's Whisper model locally on Apple's Neural Engine, so basic transcription works fully offline and, per the vendor, no audio recordings or transcripts are stored. It supports 100+ languages and applies automatic punctuation. The app requires Apple Silicon (M1 or newer); Intel Macs are not supported. An optional Pro add-on adds stammer correction, automatic formatting, and post-processing of dictations. It is aimed at people who write or capture text frequently, such as founders, engineers, and writers, who want to dictate emails, documents, notes, and messages rather than type them. Because it works across all apps, it can be used to capture spoken notes alongside meetings, though it is a general dictation utility rather than a dedicated meeting-recording assistant.
Best suited for
HiDock is a hardware-and-software brand built around capturing meeting audio and turning it into transcripts and summaries through its companion HiNotes service. The product line includes USB-C docking stations such as the H1E and the O1 meeting-room dock, the HiDock P1 voice recorder for Bluetooth earphones, and the P1 mini for capturing phone calls and in-person conversations. The devices capture two-way audio from video calls, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, including a proprietary BlueCatch technology that records through standard Bluetooth earbuds. Captured audio is sent to HiNotes, which auto-transcribes it and generates AI summaries using tailored templates organized by profession, such as sales, engineering, HR, and education. HiDock markets unlimited AI transcription across many languages, and because recording happens on the device or dock rather than through a meeting bot, no extra participant needs to join the call. The approach suits people who hold in-person or mixed meetings and want a dedicated capture device rather than a browser bot. HiNotes is available as a mobile and web app that turns recordings into searchable, actionable notes. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
BetterDictation is a free tier with paid upgrades (paid); HiDock is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | BetterDictation | HiDock |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | System-wide dictation that inserts text into any macOS application | Hardware capture devices (docks, recorders, phone-call mini) for video, phone, and in-person meetings |
| Standout feature | On-device transcription using OpenAI's Whisper on Apple's Neural Engine | HiNotes companion app for transcription and AI summaries |
| Team usage | Offline operation for basic dictation with no cloud round-trips | BlueCatch recording through standard Bluetooth earphones |
| Integrations | Support for 100+ languages with automatic punctuation | Profession-specific summary templates |
| Languages & capture | Push-to-talk and toggle-to-talk recording modes | Multi-language transcription support |
| Best-fit workflow | Optional Pro post-processing: stammer correction and automatic formatting | Bot-free capture that does not require others to join via an assistant |
BetterDictation
Choose BetterDictation if you need dictating emails, documents, and notes hands-free across mac apps — strengths include runs locally on-device for privacy; vendor states no audio or transcripts are stored.
HiDock
Choose HiDock if you need recording and summarizing in-person and conference-room meetings — strengths include dedicated hardware works well for in-person and mixed meetings, not just web calls.
BetterDictation
HiDock
It depends on your workflow. BetterDictation is strong for dictating emails, documents, and notes hands-free across mac apps, while HiDock is strong for recording and summarizing in-person and conference-room meetings. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
BetterDictation is a free tier with paid upgrades and HiDock is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Sure. Running both makes sense when their strengths don't overlap and the budget allows.
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