Google Docs Voice Typing vs Whisnap
Google Docs voice typing only works in Chrome, inside Google Docs. Whisnap works in every Mac app—no browser required.
The core difference
Google Docs voice typing is a solid tool—it's free, accurate, and built directly into Google Docs. If you spend most of your day writing in Google Docs via Chrome, it's a great choice that requires no setup.
But voice typing in Google Docs only works inside Google Docs. You can't use it in Slack, Notion, Apple Mail, VS Code, or any other app. Every time you need to dictate something outside Docs, you're stuck copy-pasting.
Whisnap is a native Mac desktop app. Press FN (or your custom hotkey) anywhere on your Mac, speak, and text appears where your cursor is. Every app. System-wide. No browser required.
Whisnap also processes everything locally by default using on-device models—your audio never leaves your Mac. Google Docs voice typing sends all audio to Google's servers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Whisnap | Google Docs Voice Typing |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Native Mac app | Chrome browser only |
| Works Everywhere | ✓ System-wide (all apps) | ✗ Google Docs only |
| Works Offline | ✓ On-device models | ✗ Requires internet |
| Privacy | ✓ Local by default | Cloud-only |
| Audio File Transcription | ✓ Batch — WAV, MP3, FLAC, M4A, OGG, MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM | ✗ Not supported |
| Command Mode | ✓ Cloud — select text, speak a command, rewritten in-place | ✗ Not supported |
| AI Formatting | ✓ Cloud Mode | Basic punctuation only |
| Custom Vocabulary | ✓ Smart snippets | ✗ Not supported |
| Accuracy | High (on-device processing) | High (Google models) |
| Installation | Mac app download | ✓ No install needed |
| Cost | Free local / $10/mo cloud | ✓ Free |
Google Docs voice typing limitations
Google Docs voice typing is useful, but it comes with hard constraints that are worth understanding before you rely on it:
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Chrome-only
Voice typing in Google Docs only works in Chrome. It does not work in Safari, Firefox, Arc, or any other browser—even on the same Google Docs page.
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Google Docs only
Voice typing is not available in Google Slides, Google Sheets, Gmail, or any other Google product. It's exclusive to Google Docs documents.
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Always requires internet
Google Docs voice typing sends audio to Google's servers for transcription. There is no offline mode—a stable internet connection is required at all times.
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No audio file transcription
Google Docs voice typing captures your microphone live. You cannot upload an audio file—an MP3 recording, a voice memo, a meeting recording—and get a transcript.
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Limited formatting control
Google Docs voice typing supports basic voice commands like "new paragraph" or "period," but does not automatically apply context-aware formatting. You speak it, it types it—largely verbatim.
Where They Differ
System-Wide vs Google Docs Only
Google Docs voice typing only works inside Google Docs in Chrome. The typical workaround: open Docs, click Tools → Voice typing (or Cmd+Shift+S), dictate, then copy-paste your text into whatever app you actually needed it in.
Whisnap works in every Mac app. Press FN in Slack, Notion, Apple Mail, VS Code, Terminal, or anywhere else. The Whisnap bar appears, you speak, and text lands where your cursor is. No copying, no context switching.
On-Device Processing vs Cloud-Only
Google Docs voice typing sends all audio to Google's servers. That's how it works—there's no offline mode and no way to keep audio on your device.
Whisnap's Local Core runs on-device models directly on your Mac. Your audio never leaves your computer. This is free, unlimited, and works offline. Cloud Mode ($10/month) adds context-aware AI formatting if you want it, but local transcription is the default.
Audio File Transcription
Google Docs voice typing doesn't transcribe audio files. It's live dictation only—it captures your microphone in real time and types as you speak.
Whisnap lets you drag and drop audio files (WAV, MP3, FLAC, M4A, OGG) or video files (MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM) — audio is extracted from video automatically. Batch transcribe recordings from meetings, interviews, podcasts, and voice memos, all on-device.
Command Mode Cloud
Google Docs voice typing is dictation only — you speak, it types. There's no way to transform existing text with your voice.
Whisnap's Command Mode lets you select text in any app, press FN+Tab, and speak a command like "make this more concise" or "rewrite as bullet points". The AI rewrites your selection in-place. Requires Cloud Mode ($10/month).
Context-Aware Formatting
Google Docs voice typing adds basic punctuation on command. You say "period" or "comma" and it types it. Formatting is mostly verbatim.
Whisnap's Cloud Mode uses AI to format intelligently—proper capitalization, paragraph breaks, and context-aware punctuation without you saying "comma" constantly. It also supports smart snippets (custom vocabulary that expands as you speak).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use voice typing in Google Docs?
Open a document in Chrome, go to Tools → Voice typing (or press Cmd+Shift+S on Mac), then click the microphone icon and start speaking. Google Docs voice typing only works in Chrome—it will not appear in other browsers.
Is Google Docs voice typing free?
Yes, Google Docs voice typing is free with any Google account. Whisnap also offers free unlimited local transcription with Local Core—no account required for basic use.
Does Google Docs voice typing work offline?
No. Google Docs voice typing requires an active internet connection because your audio is sent to Google's servers for processing. Whisnap's Local Core mode works completely offline using on-device models running locally on your Mac.
What's better than Google Docs voice typing?
If you need voice typing beyond Google Docs, Whisnap is a strong alternative for Mac users. It works system-wide in every app—Slack, Notion, Apple Mail, VS Code, and more—without needing to switch to Chrome or Google Docs. It also works offline and supports audio file transcription.
Can I transcribe audio files in Google Docs?
No. Google Docs voice typing is live dictation only—it cannot process uploaded audio files. Whisnap supports batch audio file transcription: drag in MP3, M4A, or WAV files and get text output.
Does Google Docs voice typing work outside of Google Docs?
No. Voice typing in Google Docs only works inside Google Docs in the Chrome browser. It does not work in Slides, Sheets, Gmail, or any other app. Whisnap works in every Mac app—press your hotkey anywhere and text appears where your cursor is.
Is Whisnap better than Google Voice Typing?
For Mac users who need voice typing across all apps, yes. Google Docs voice typing is excellent within Google Docs but is limited to that one environment. Whisnap works system-wide in every Mac app and processes audio locally by default so nothing is sent to the cloud.
Which is more private—Whisnap or Google Docs voice typing?
Whisnap's Local Core processes everything on your Mac using on-device models—nothing is sent to the internet. Google Docs voice typing sends all audio to Google's servers. For sensitive content, local on-device processing is significantly more private.
How accurate is Whisnap compared to Google?
Both are highly accurate. Google Docs voice typing uses Google's proprietary speech models, which are strong. Whisnap uses on-device models (including Whisper variants), with optional cloud providers for enhanced accuracy. In practice, accuracy is comparable—the bigger difference is where each one works.
Voice typing that works everywhere
Local Core is free forever. Works in every Mac app—not just Google Docs. No internet required.
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