BetterDictation: A macOS speech-to-text app that uses on-device Whisper to turn spoken words into typed text in any application. HoverNotes: Chrome extension that watches lecture and course videos with you and generates AI notes saved as Markdown. We compare them on cost, capture approach, and day-to-day fit so you can choose faster.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist BetterDictation when dictating emails, documents, and notes hands-free across mac apps matters most, and HoverNotes when capturing code and diagrams from technical youtube lectures 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.
Chrome extension that watches lecture and course videos with you and generates AI notes saved as Markdown.
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
HoverNotes is an AI-powered note-taking tool delivered as a Chrome extension, designed for students and learners who study from recorded lectures and online course videos. Rather than relying on audio transcription alone, HoverNotes analyzes video frames as you watch, so it can capture on-screen context such as code snippets, mathematical equations, and diagrams alongside spoken content. The extension generates AI notes while you watch and saves them as plain Markdown files directly to your local file system, which makes them easy to use with tools like Obsidian or other Markdown-based knowledge bases. Users can also capture single-click screenshots embedded with clickable timestamps that jump back to the exact moment in the video. HoverNotes works across common video learning platforms including YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Bilibili, and university lecture portals. It runs on a freemium model with a limited monthly allotment of AI note generation on the free plan and paid tiers for heavier use. The tool is best suited to self-directed learners studying from video, and its local-Markdown approach appeals to people who want full ownership of their notes. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
BetterDictation is a free tier with paid upgrades (paid); HoverNotes is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | BetterDictation | HoverNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | System-wide dictation that inserts text into any macOS application | Chrome extension that generates AI notes while watching videos |
| Standout feature | On-device transcription using OpenAI's Whisper on Apple's Neural Engine | Video frame analysis to capture on-screen code, equations, and diagrams |
| Team usage | Offline operation for basic dictation with no cloud round-trips | Notes saved locally as Markdown files for use in Obsidian and similar tools |
| Integrations | Support for 100+ languages with automatic punctuation | One-click timestamped screenshots that link back to the video moment |
| Languages & capture | Push-to-talk and toggle-to-talk recording modes | Support for YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Bilibili, and lecture portals |
| Best-fit workflow | Optional Pro post-processing: stammer correction and automatic formatting | Freemium plan with paid tiers for more usage |
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.
HoverNotes
Choose HoverNotes if you need taking notes from coursera and udemy course videos — strengths include captures visual on-screen content, not just audio, for technical lectures.
BetterDictation
HoverNotes
It depends on your workflow. BetterDictation is strong for dictating emails, documents, and notes hands-free across mac apps, while HoverNotes is strong for taking notes from coursera and udemy course videos. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
BetterDictation is a free tier with paid upgrades and HoverNotes 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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