Comparison Guide

TranscribeFlow vs Aqua Voice

Two approaches to AI dictation — but only one lets you pay once and own forever.

Pay Once, Own Forever

No monthly subscriptions

Bring Your Own API Keys

Use generous free tiers

Unlimited Usage

Most users never pay for APIs

TranscribeFlow

Our Pick

Native macOS dictation with AI-powered polish. Real-time transcription via Deepgram, intelligent post-processing via Gemini.

One-time purchase — no subscriptions
BYOK — use free API tiers
AI grammar correction & formatting
Custom presets for any use case

$49 $29 one-time

+ free API keys • 40% OFF

Aqua Voice

Alternative

Aqua Voice is an AI-powered voice input app for Mac that uses natural language processing to convert speech to text with context understanding.

STRENGTHS

Clean interfaceContext understandingNatural languageFast setup

LIMITATIONS

Subscription modelLimited presetsNo BYOK optionOngoing costs

$8-15/month subscription

Recurring fees

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

A detailed look at how TranscribeFlow stacks up against Aqua Voice across key features.

Feature
TranscribeFlow
Aqua Voice

Pricing Model

TranscribeFlow: pay once, use forever

One-time $29$8-15/month

Total Cost (2 years)

Save hundreds with TranscribeFlow

$29 total$192-360

Real-time Transcription

AI Grammar Correction

Filler Word Removal

Custom Presets

Create unlimited custom output formats

Custom Vocabulary

Add names, terms, jargon

BYOK (Free API Keys)

Use your own keys with free tiers

Universal App Support

Global Hotkeys

Dark Mode

Professional Email Mode

Summarization

Lifetime Updates

While subscribed

The BYOK Advantage

Why TranscribeFlow's "Bring Your Own Key" model saves you money and gives you more freedom.

Typical Subscription Apps

  • $10-30/month recurring forever
  • Lose access when you stop paying
  • Hidden usage limits and throttling
  • Vendor lock-in — can't switch easily

After 2 years: $240-720 spent

TranscribeFlow BYOK

  • $49 $29 one-time — own it forever
  • Lifetime access with free updates
  • Deepgram: $200 free credit per account
  • Gemini: Generous free tier daily

After 2 years: $29 total (most users)

Why Choose TranscribeFlow?

Key advantages that make TranscribeFlow the superior choice for AI-powered dictation.

One-Time Purchase

Pay $49 $29 once, own TranscribeFlow forever. No subscriptions, no recurring fees, no surprise charges.

AI-Powered Polish

Google Gemini intelligently fixes grammar, removes filler words, and formats your text perfectly.

Custom Presets

Create unlimited custom presets — professional emails, casual messages, meeting notes, and more.

Universal Compatibility

Works in any app where you can type — email, messages, notes, browsers, and more.

Privacy First

Your API keys stored in macOS Keychain. No accounts, no data collection, no tracking.

Native macOS Experience

Built with Swift for a truly native experience. Beautiful UI, dark mode, seamless integration.

Our Verdict

Aqua Voice offers solid AI-enhanced dictation, but its subscription model means you'll keep paying forever. TranscribeFlow's one-time purchase with BYOK (Bring Your Own Keys) model means most users pay $29 total — ever. With more features like custom presets and vocabulary, TranscribeFlow offers better value and more freedom.

Choose TranscribeFlow if you want to stop subscription payments, have more customization options, and take advantage of free API tiers. Choose Aqua Voice only if you prefer their specific interface.

Try TranscribeFlow Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really not have to pay for API usage?

For most users, yes! Deepgram gives every new account $200 in free credits (no card required), which covers hundreds of hours of transcription. Google Gemini has a generous free tier that resets daily. Most personal users never exceed these limits.

Can I switch from Aqua Voice to TranscribeFlow?

Absolutely! TranscribeFlow is designed to be easy to set up and start using immediately. Just download, add your API keys, and start dictating. Most users are up and running in under 5 minutes.

What happens if I do exceed the free API limits?

If you're a heavy user and exceed the free tiers, both Deepgram and Gemini offer very affordable pay-as-you-go pricing. You only pay for what you use, and it's still typically cheaper than subscription-based alternatives.

Is my data secure with TranscribeFlow?

Yes! Your API keys are stored securely in macOS Keychain, and audio is processed through Deepgram and Gemini's secure APIs. TranscribeFlow doesn't collect, store, or share any of your data. You have complete control.