Choose by device, language and data settings
What this comparison covers: short voice input into the app you are already using. It does not rank transcription accuracy or compare uploaded-file subtitle exports.
| Decision | Kivo | FluidVoice |
|---|---|---|
| Device and release | Mac only; unsigned 0.1.2 preview. Changelog lists macOS 11+ on Apple Silicon or Intel. Windows is planned. Kivo release notes | Mac available with macOS 15+; Intel uses Whisper. Windows Beta, iOS TestFlight Beta, Linux Early Beta; Android in progress. Device availability |
| Language and model | English only. Download the 460 MB speech model once before offline use. Kivo model details | Languages and download sizes depend on the selected model and device. Obtain the local model before going offline. Models · Model downloads |
| Input | Hold a shortcut, speak, then release to insert text at the cursor. Dictation workflow | Shortcut dictation into the app at your cursor; feature availability differs by device. App workflow |
| Cost | Free to use, with no paid tier or account listed. Access | Personal app is free and open source; enterprise custom work is separate. Optional cloud providers may charge their own fees. Personal and enterprise access |
| Local storage | Changelog lists local searchable history and warns it is not encrypted. Review the history setting for sensitive text. History limitation | Transcription history is optional; audio history is off by default. If enabled, recordings remain on the device according to the policy. Storage policy |
| Network choices | Vendor says dictation works offline after the model download and audio is not uploaded. These are product claims, not a network audit. Offline statement | Optional cloud cleanup sends the text that feature needs to the chosen provider. Anonymous analytics are separately configurable. Cloud and analytics policy |
Prepare an offline dictation session
On Mac, microphone permission permits capture and Accessibility permission lets the app insert text into another app. Kivo explains its permission use; FluidVoice describes its permissions. Do not assume permission prompts or insertion behave identically across beta platforms.
For example, dictate “Send the draft to Maya on Thursday” into a blank note before using client material. Check names, punctuation, the insertion point and undo. Then disable Wi-Fi and repeat with local models selected. This is a suggested acceptance check for your own device, not a result reported for either app.
When each option fits
Consider Kivo for English dictation on a Mac when a small, focused preview is acceptable. Prefer FluidVoice when model choice, broader language options or its additional platform betas matter. A beta download is not a guarantee of production readiness or equal features on every platform.
If a policy requires text to stay on the machine, keep FluidVoice cloud features off and inspect local history as well as network settings. Kivo’s “no upload” statement does not make an unencrypted local transcript private from someone with access to your user account. Neither choice removes the need to protect the device.
Minimum requirements for every FluidVoice beta, cross-app insertion reliability and performance on your hardware are not established by the general download page. Confirm your exact device and build before changing a daily workflow.
Already have an audio file?
For recorded audio or video, compare free file-transcription tools. For a subtitle deliverable, use the SRT, VTT and speaker-label comparison. Those workflows solve a different task from typing at your cursor.
Questions before you choose
Can both apps dictate with Wi-Fi off?
Their public descriptions support local dictation after the required models have been downloaded. Optional cloud features need a connection; disable them if your workflow must remain local.
Does FluidVoice always keep all text on the device?
No. Its privacy policy says an optional cloud provider receives the text needed by the enabled feature. Local dictation, cloud cleanup and anonymous analytics are separate choices.
Is Kivo available for Windows?
The current Kivo site describes an English-only Mac preview. Its changelog lists Windows as planned, not started.
Will either app create an SRT subtitle file from my recording?
This comparison covers dictation into a text field. It does not establish subtitle-file export for either app; use a file-transcription and subtitle workflow for that deliverable.
Information is based on public sources, not hands-on testing; confirm current features and pricing with the vendor.