Handy: dictation that never leaves your laptop
A free, open-source speech-to-text app that works completely offline. What it is and who it suits.
Handy is a speech-to-text app. You hold a key, say what you want to write, let go, and the words appear in whatever app you are using. Nothing is sent to a server, because the speech model runs on your own computer.
Why it matters
If you write a lot of emails, notes or messages, talking is faster than typing. If you also handle client details, keeping the audio on your machine is the point: there is no cloud service holding your voice.
The facts
- Project: cjpais/Handy on GitHub
- Stars: over 37,000 (as of 7 November 2026)
- Main language: Rust
- It is released under the MIT licence.
- Website: https://handy.computer
Before you install it
Offline models are only as good as the model you download. Accuracy depends on the model and on your accent, so test it on your own voice and your own words before you rely on it.
I read the project page and its description to write this. I have not audited the code, so treat it as a pointer, not a recommendation to trust it with anything sensitive.