Text-to-Speech Tools for macOS and Windows: Superwhisper & Handy

Introduction

Voice input has transformed how I interact with AI systems. Instead of typing out lengthy prompts and requests, I can speak naturally and let the software convert my words into text. For anyone working with AI tools regularly—whether it’s Claude, ChatGPT, or other LLMs—voice-to-text tools are a game-changer. They’re faster, more natural, and dramatically improve workflow efficiency.

Today, I want to share two tools that have become essential to my daily work: Handy for Windows and Superwhisper for macOS.

Handy: Your Windows Voice-to-Text Solution

Handy is an open-source, free tool that brings voice input to Windows. What makes it exceptional is its flexibility—you can use local speech-to-text models, giving you privacy and offline functionality without relying on cloud services.

Why I Use Handy

• Open Source: No vendor lock-in, transparent about what it does
• Free: No subscription fees or limitations
• Local Model Support: Process voice data locally for privacy and speed
• Seamless Integration: Works across applications without friction
• Efficiency Gain: Dictating AI prompts is noticeably faster than typing

When I need to generate code, ask complex questions, or iterate on prompts with Claude or other AI tools, Handy lets me speak naturally at my normal pace rather than hunt-and-peck on the keyboard.

Superwhisper: macOS Voice Input Refined

Superwhisper is my go-to tool on macOS. While it offers cloud-based transcription, the truly valuable feature is its support for local speech-to-text models—good enough for most use cases without the latency or privacy concerns of cloud processing.

Why I Use Superwhisper

• Local Model Option: Fast, private speech-to-text without cloud dependency
• Free Tier: Excellent functionality without cost
• Quick Activation: Minimal setup and immediate productivity
• Accuracy: The local models handle technical terminology reasonably well
• Seamless Workflow: Perfect for prompting AI systems in any application

What surprised me most was how much faster I can iterate on prompts using voice input. There’s less cognitive friction—I simply speak what I want to test, and the model processes it immediately.

The Efficiency Multiplier

Here’s what matters most: both tools accelerate my AI prompting workflow. Instead of carefully typing out a complex request, I can:

1. Speak naturally - No worrying about typos or syntax
2. Iterate faster - Voice input is quicker than typing for most people
3. Maintain focus - Less context switching between keyboard and application
4. Scale your requests - Running longer, more detailed prompts becomes practical

When you’re using AI tools to generate code, write content, or solve problems, the speed advantage compounds quickly. Over a day of work, the time saved through voice input is substantial.

Local Models Matter

Both tools support local speech-to-text models, which is critical for privacy-conscious developers and those who work offline. You’re not sending every prompt to a cloud service—everything stays local, stays fast, and stays private.

Conclusion

If you spend significant time prompting AI models, voice-to-text tools aren’t a luxury—they’re a productivity multiplier. Handy on Windows and Superwhisper on macOS have become irreplaceable parts of my workflow. They’re free to try, easy to integrate, and deliver immediate efficiency gains.

Whether you’re iterating on code generation, crafting complex queries, or simply trying to work faster, I’d strongly encourage you to give them a try. The shift from typing to voice input is one of those productivity changes that feels minor until you experience how much time it actually saves.