Zumbo

Zumbo is an open source dictation app that turns speech into text locally on the Mac using AI models.

Zumbo is an open source dictation application for macOS that turns your speech into text using local AI models running directly on your Mac. It features a fast processing speed with a median response time of about a fifth of a second, working entirely offline without sending audio to any server. The app integrates with any application where you can place a cursor, including terminals, text editors, browsers, and chat tools, automatically handling punctuation and removing fillers like ums and ahs. It includes specialized vocabulary packs for fields such as developer tools, legal, medical, and design to ensure technical terms are spelled correctly. Additionally, it offers a meeting mode to transcribe room audio with timestamps and speaker labels, as well as a notes feature for quick reminders.

Zumbo at a glance

Best for: Writer, Support
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free trial; One Mac $15; Three Macs $20; Team 10 Macs $79
Released: September 2026
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: zumbo.app

Key features

Local AI models
Works offline
Vocabulary packs
Meeting mode
Notes feature
Custom corrections
Open source

Use it for

Dictating messages in any app
Replying to emails by speaking
Transcribing live meetings
Writing code comments and terminal commands
Chatting with AI apps using voice

Alternatives to Zumbo

LocalBolo — Private, on-device dictation that works in any app without cloud data usage.
Openbroca — AI cleanup and translation turn messy speech into ready-to-send text directly in your apps.
Featherweight Dictation — Runs with minimal system resource usage while waiting for input.
SpeechFast — Dictate anywhere on Mac with 100 percent local processing and no cloud servers.
Sayso — It runs speech recognition locally on your computer with support for multiple AI models.
Voicera — Dictate anywhere on your Mac four times faster than typing.
Whisper Dictate — Runs speech models locally on your GPU so audio never leaves your machine.
Aside — Records and transcribes calls locally without sending audio to the cloud or joining as a bot.
BetterWispr — Local models and open source design keep your speech private on your Mac.
Dimmy.app — It runs offline and locally for complete privacy.
无线麦 — Connects bluetooth remotes to Mac for quick voice input, custom actions, and AI integration.
Talkhawk — Speech recognition runs locally on your PC so your audio never leaves your computer.

All Zumbo alternatives