Sayso
Press a key, talk, and your words get typed into whatever app you're in. Works on Mac, Windows and Linux, and your voice stays on your computer.
Our take
Talking is faster than typing, and Sayso lets you do it in any app. Press Option+Space on a Mac (Ctrl+Space on Windows), say your piece, and the text appears wherever your cursor is. The speech recognition runs on your own computer, so your voice isn't sent anywhere. It's free and open source. Early testers on Hacker News called it quick and accurate, and easier to get going than Handy, another free dictation app. It's new and made by one developer, so expect the odd rough edge.
The quick breakdown
- Good for
- Writing emails, messages and notes by voice, privately, on Mac, Windows or Linux.
- Not great for
- Phones. It's a computer app only.
- Watch out
- On a Mac it needs Apple Silicon (M1 or newer). The optional AI clean-up styles need your own AI account or key; plain dictation doesn't.
- What people say
- The handful of early users who reported back on Hacker News praised its speed and accuracy, especially on Linux, where other free options gave them trouble.
Based on Show HN: Sayso (Hacker News discussion), Sayso official site, Sayso on GitHub. Checked Oct 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you pay.
Good for
Quick facts
- Price: Free (Free (pay what you want)).
- Works on: Mac / PC app. You get: audio, text.
- Last checked: Oct 14, 2026.
- What it is: Sayso is a productivity tool. Press a key, talk, and your words get typed into whatever app you're in. Works on Mac, Windows and Linux, and your voice stays on your computer.
- Where it was found: Hacker News (Show HN), first seen Oct 13, 2026, with 24 Hacker News points when last checked.
- Tags: Open Source, macOS.
- Official link: justsayso.app
Common questions
What is Sayso good for?
Writing emails, messages and notes by voice, privately, on Mac, Windows or Linux. It's not the best pick for: phones. It's a computer app only.
Is Sayso free?
Free (pay what you want). Prices change, so check the official site before you pay.
How hard is Sayso to use?
ShipRadar rates it Beginner-friendly: no tech skills needed.
What should I watch out for with Sayso?
On a Mac it needs Apple Silicon (M1 or newer). The optional AI clean-up styles need your own AI account or key; plain dictation doesn't.
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