Voice Type and Nota are both Mac dictation apps, but they differ in pricing model, privacy approach, and how they integrate with your workflow. This comparison focuses on the structural differences that matter most when choosing.
Short answer
- Pick Voice Type if you want a one-time purchase, fully on-device processing, and system-wide dictation.
- Pick Nota if you prefer its specific UI workflow or need features beyond basic dictation.
At a glance
Pricing model
Voice Type is a one-time Mac App Store purchase with no recurring fees. Nota uses subscription pricing.
Privacy architecture
Voice Type processes everything on-device—audio never leaves your Mac. Check Nota's current privacy policy for their data handling.
System-wide input
Voice Type works in any app—dictate directly into your email, editor, browser, or terminal. Text appears at your cursor.
Audio processing
Voice Type normalizes audio, applies noise-aware VAD, and conditions the signal before recognition for cleaner transcripts.
Distribution
Voice Type is distributed through the Mac App Store with Apple sandboxing and notarization.
Who should choose what
Choose Voice Type if…
- •You want to pay once and own the app.
- •You need audio to stay completely on your Mac.
- •You dictate into many different apps throughout the day.
- •You work offline or travel frequently.
Choose Nota if…
- •You prefer Nota's specific interface or workflow.
- •You need features that Nota offers and Voice Type doesn't.
- •You're already invested in Nota's ecosystem.
The one-time purchase difference
- Subscriptions add up. At $10/month, you've paid $120 after one year, $360 after three.
- Voice Type's one-time purchase means you own the app outright. Updates included.
- No pressure to justify ongoing costs or remember to cancel.