F5Type vs Aqua Voice: which voice typing app should you pick?
Aqua Voice and F5Type both let you speak instead of type on your computer and get cleaned-up text. Choose F5Type if you also want to dictate on iPhone and Android with the same account, keep recording when the internet drops, and start on a free plan with 60 minutes a month (Pro is $14.99 a month or $107.99 a year). Choose Aqua Voice if its desktop workflow already suits you.
F5Type and Aqua Voice side by side
| F5Type | Aqua Voice | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android | Desktop (Mac and Windows) — see their site for phones |
| Works in any app | Yes. On Mac and Windows the text goes in at your cursor (copied for ⌘V or Ctrl+V when an app refuses the paste); on phones, the F5Type keyboard works in any app | Yes on desktop |
| Default shortcut | F5 on Mac and Windows (Ctrl+Shift+Space when F5 is taken on Windows); changeable in Settings | Configurable shortcut |
| Languages | Detects the language you speak automatically; you can also pick one | Many languages — See their site |
| Offline | Records offline everywhere. Mac uses on-device speech recognition, Windows has an optional offline mode, phones draft on the device; cleanup runs once you are back online | Cloud-based — See their site |
| AI cleanup and styles | Removes filler words and fixes punctuation, with styles: Clean, Email, Message, Summary, Action Items, Command, Custom | Yes, AI formatting of what you say |
| Dictionary and snippets | Yes — dictionary for names and terms, plus snippets for repeated phrases | See their site |
| Price model | Free plan with 60 minutes a month (no card); Pro unlimited for $14.99 a month or $107.99 a year (about $9 a month) on the web — store prices can differ by country; lifetime licence on AppSumo | Free starter and paid plans — See their site |
| Privacy | Recordings and transcripts are not used to train AI models; audio is saved on your device before upload | Read their privacy policy |
Aqua Voice details checked on 2026-10-31 from public information; products change, so check their site for the latest.
Choose F5Type if…
- You want the same dictation on your phone as on your computer, with notes synced.
- You never want to lose a take: audio is saved on your device before upload.
- You need to keep dictating offline, on a plane or a bad connection.
- You want ready-made styles: Email, Message, Summary, Action Items.
- You want a free plan with 60 minutes every month, not a one-off trial.
Choose Aqua Voice if…
- You only dictate on a computer and Aqua Voice already fits your workflow.
- You rely on an Aqua Voice feature that F5Type does not have.
Frequently asked questions
Is F5Type a good Aqua Voice alternative?
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Yes, if you want dictation in any app plus phone apps, offline recording and a monthly free allowance. Both clean up your speech into finished text.
How much does F5Type cost?
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Free: 60 minutes a month, no card. Pro: unlimited dictation for $14.99 a month or $107.99 a year (about $9 a month) on the web. App store prices can differ by country.
Does F5Type work on iPhone and Android?
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Yes. Add the F5Type keyboard and dictate into any app on your phone.
Read next
Try F5Type free
60 minutes of dictation a month on the free plan, no card needed. Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.
