--
title: Use Voice-to-Text Instead of Typing
description: voice to text
tags: [voice, text, speech, typing]
canonical_url: https://stillherememory.com/blog/use-voice-to-text-instead-of-typing
Typing is great — until your fingers hurt, until you're on a call and can't type, or until you have a brilliant idea but no time to write it down. Voice-to-text technology has evolved to the point where it's often faster and more accurate than typing, especially for long-form content.
Why Voice-to-Text Is Worth Trying
Speed: Most people speak at 150 words per minute. Even with pauses and corrections, voice typing can outpace average typing speed (40 wpm for most people).
Accessibility: For people with hand injuries, arthritis, or typing difficulties, voice input is a game-changer.
Natural flow: When you're thinking out loud, your ideas flow more naturally than when you're carefully choosing each word while typing.
Multitasking: Voice input lets you capture thoughts while driving, cooking, or walking — situations where typing is impossible or dangerous.
Best Practices for Voice-to-Text
- Use a quiet environment — Background noise confuses speech recognition
- Speak clearly and at a normal pace — Don't rush; enunciate properly
- Learn punctuation commands — Say "period," "comma," "new line" to format your text
- Edit after drafting — Voice-to-text is great for getting ideas down; editing refines them
- Use the right tool — Different platforms have different accuracy levels
Top Voice-to-Text Tools in 2026
- Google Docs Voice Typing: Free, built into Google Docs, supports 20+ languages
- Apple Dictation: Built into macOS and iOS, works offline
- Microsoft Dictate: Built into Word and Office 365
- Otter.ai: Great for meetings and interviews, records and transcribes simultaneously
- Descript: All-in-one for transcription and video editing
When Voice-to-Text Falls Short
- Technical writing with lots of jargon
- Languages with heavy accents
- Noisy environments
- Names and proper nouns (you'll need to spell them out)
FAQ
Is voice-to-text accurate?
Modern tools are 90-95% accurate for clear speech in quiet environments. Accuracy drops with accents, background noise, or technical terminology.
Can I use voice-to-text on my phone?
Yes. Both iOS and Android have built-in voice typing. Google Keyboard and SwiftKey also offer excellent voice input.
Does voice-to-text work offline?
Some tools do (Apple Dictation, Google's offline packs), but most cloud-based tools require an internet connection.
Visit stillherememory.com to discover tools that help you capture memories and ideas faster than ever.
