A Typeless alternative for Windows that never uploads your voice
Typeless is a fast-growing cloud dictation app ("Speak, don't type", 4x faster than typing) with zero data retention and cross-device sync. Holdkey makes the same speed promise without the cloud: recognition and cleanup run on your PC, so there is nothing to retain in the first place.
Last checked September 2026. Facts about other products come from their public pages and reviews; tell us if something changed.
| Holdkey | Typeless | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | On your PC, fully offline after a one-time model download | Cloud processing with zero-retention policy; encrypted cloud sync of history |
| Privacy | Audio and text never leave the machine; no account | Audio not stored; data not used for training; ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA |
| Platforms | Windows only | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Where it works | Any text field, including Windows Terminal, Claude Code, Cursor, browsers, Slack | All apps |
| Latency | Tens of ms after release in Raw; Clean cleans while you talk | Network round trip; "real time" claimed |
| Free plan | Raw unlimited, Clean 30 dictations a day | Free download; limits on the pricing page |
| Price | $8/mo, $69/yr, $99 lifetime (first 150) | See typeless.com/pricing |
When Typeless is the better choice
You want one dictionary and history across your phone and laptop, you dictate on iOS or Android, or your company needs the compliance paperwork.
When Holdkey is the better choice
You are on Windows, your employer or your own judgement says voice must not leave the machine, and you want it to work on a plane or a locked-down network. Or you want a lifetime price.
Free to start, no account, runs on your PC. Hold a key, talk, release.
Get Holdkey for Windows