Input
Zero typing, pure voice input for macOS.
Input0 is the best option for macOS users who want fast, private voice dictation with LLM-powered cleanup. Its local-first design and hotkey workflow are game-changers for power users, but the need to supply your own LLM API is a barrier for casual adopters.
- Developers who want to dictate code or documentation hands-free
- Writers and content creators seeking faster input
- Power users looking to reduce typing and RSI risk
- Multilingual speakers needing accurate transcription across languages
- Windows or Linux users (macOS only)
- Users who want a fully cloud-based service with no setup
- Those needing real-time collaboration or sharing features
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In short
Input — Zero typing, pure voice input for macOS. Best for Developers who want to dictate code or documentation hands-free, Writers and content creators seeking faster input, Power users looking to reduce typing and RSI risk. Free to use.
Viability Score
How likely is Input to still be operational in 12 months? Based on 4 signals — momentum (how recently it shipped), wrapper dependency, revenue model, and web presence.
Last calculated: July 2026
How we score →Key Features
- Hold Option+Space to record, release to transcribe and paste
- Local speech-to-text using Metal GPU on Apple Silicon
- LLM-based text polishing (remove filler words, fix grammar)
- Auto-paste into active text field (Slack, VS Code, browser, etc.)
- Supports 99+ languages with 12 models across 6 engines
- Custom vocabulary for names, brands, and jargon
- Auto-learns from user corrections via LLM validation
- Privacy-first: voice never leaves your device
- No account, cloud, or tracking required
- Context-aware with 10-message history
- Smart model recommendation based on language
- Whisper, SenseVoice, Paraformer, Moonshine, FireRedASR, Zipformer CTC
- Global hotkey integration from anywhere in macOS
- Glass overlay UI that respects focus
- Built with Rust + Metal for performance
About Input
Input0 is a macOS voice input tool that lets you dictate text anywhere on your Mac by holding a hotkey, speaking, and releasing. It transcribes speech locally using Metal GPU acceleration and then refines the text via your own LLM API, automatically pasting the result into the active application. Designed for developers, writers, and power users who want to minimize typing, Input0 emphasizes privacy by keeping voice processing on-device and giving users control over the LLM pipeline. It supports 99+ languages through 12 models across 6 AI engines, includes custom vocabulary, and learns from your corrections. With a focus on speed and privacy, Input0 works entirely offline for transcription, with no accounts or cloud dependencies. Its LLM polishing step can fix filler words, grammar, and technical terms like "rui en te" to "React", making it ideal for professional communication. Compared to cloud-based dictation tools like Otter.ai or Google's voice typing, Input0 offers lower latency and complete data control, though it requires you to bring your own LLM API key for the polishing step.
Behind the Verdict
Input0 nails the core promise of voice input: it's fast, private, and integrates seamlessly into macOS. The hold-to-record, release-to-paste workflow is friction-free, and the local Metal GPU transcription is impressively quick on Apple Silicon. Where it really shines is the LLM polishing step — it turns messy speech into clean prose, fixing filler words and technical jargon. Developers will appreciate the custom vocabulary and auto-learning from corrections. But there's a catch: the LLM refinement requires you to bring your own API key and incur costs, which might turn off casual users. Compared to macOS's built-in dictation, Input0 is leagues ahead in accuracy and polish. It's also more private than cloud services like Otter.ai. However, it's macOS-only and lacks mobile or web access. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and don't mind managing an LLM API, this is a no-brainer. If you want a fully managed service or cross-platform support, look elsewhere.
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Use Cases
- Dictate emails and messages without touching the keyboard
- Transcribe voice notes directly into note-taking apps
- Speak code snippets into VS Code or other editors
- Quickly fill out forms and search queries by voice
- Generate polished meeting notes from spoken summaries
Models Under the Hood
as of 2026-07-18
Limitations
- Input0 requires an Apple Silicon Mac and macOS.
- It depends on a user-provided LLM API key for text polishing; without one, the refinement step is disabled.
- The tool is currently in development and may have limited documentation and support.
12-month cost
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Vendor list price only. Add-on usage, seat overages, and contract minimums are surfaced under Hidden costs & gotchas.
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