Dragon alternative for Windows
For dictation, not for controlling the PC by voice.
Dragon is long-established dictation software, sold as a paid product. If what you use it for is turning speech into text, VinPUT may cover it for free. If you also use it to run Windows by voice, VinPUT does not, and this page says so before you install anything.
What each one covers
| VinPUT | Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free with a model on your PC | Paid software |
| Source code | Open source, GPL-3.0 | Not open source |
| Dictating text | Into any Windows program with a text field | Yes |
| Voice commands that run Windows | No | Yes |
Where VinPUT fits
Emails, documents, chat, forms and notes. You press a key, speak, and the words appear where the cursor is. You choose the speech model: Whisper, Parakeet TDT v3 or Qwen3-ASR on your PC, or the optional Plus and Pro plans that recognize speech online. Under Settings, General, Input you can pick the microphone.
Words you use often can be taught. The dictionary holds up to 200 names and terms, with a spelling for how they sound, and up to 100 snippets stand for longer texts. Say new line or new paragraph to format as you go. Cleanup can remove filler words and fix punctuation, and Edit by voice rewrites a selection as you tell it.
Where it does not
VinPUT does not open menus, click buttons or move through windows when you speak. If those commands are why you use Dragon, keep it for them. If you depend on a vocabulary for a particular profession, check VinPUT with your own words first, using the dictionary, before you give anything up. Speech recognition makes mistakes in any program, so read the text before you rely on it.
Trying it
VinPUT installs for your Windows account only. The installer is not code-signed yet, so Windows shows Windows protected your PC; click More info, then Run anyway. It takes its hotkeys exclusively while it runs, so choose keys Dragon does not use. Remove it from Installed apps whenever you like.
Questions
Can I control Windows by voice with VinPUT?
No. VinPUT types what you say, opens a web search from what you say, and records voice memos. It does not click or open menus.
Can I add my own words?
Yes. Settings, Words has a dictionary of up to 200 names and terms, and up to 100 snippets.
Does it need the internet?
Not with a speech model on your PC. Plus and Pro do, while you dictate.
Is it free?
Yes, for dictation with a model on your PC, with no time limit and no account.
Related pages
- Wispr Flow alternative for Windows A free option if you want to leave a subscription app.
- Offline speech to text What works with no connection, and what needs one.
- Dictation to type less Use your voice for the long stretches of typing.
- Voice typing on Windows 11 and Win+H What the built-in option does, and when it is enough.