Handy
Free open-source speech-to-text app written in Rust.
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What is Handy?
Handy is a free, open-source desktop app that transcribes speech locally on your computer. You press a keyboard shortcut, speak, and release, and it pastes the transcription into whatever text field has focus. It is aimed at people who want accessible, private dictation without sending audio to the cloud.
Handy pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Free and open source; optional donations via Stripe or GitHub Sponsors
Handy pros
- Free and open source, with the code extensible and contributions invited
- Private: transcription runs on your computer without sending audio to the cloud
- Simple, single-purpose workflow: speak into any text field
- Push-to-talk is on by default, and the key binding can be changed in settings
Handy cons
- The page links only a Linux x64 AppImage download, so other platforms are not clearly covered
- Text is only pasted when a text field is active; otherwise the transcription is discarded
- The page gives no details on transcription models, accuracy, languages, or hardware requirements
Frequently asked questions about Handy
Is Handy free?
The page describes Handy as free and open source. Donations and GitHub Sponsors are offered as optional support.
Does Handy send my audio to the cloud?
No. The page says your voice stays on your computer and transcriptions are obtained without sending audio to the cloud.
How do I use Handy?
Press the keyboard shortcut, speak, and release. The default push-to-talk mode transcribes while the keys are held. Toggle mode starts on one press and stops on the next. The transcription is pasted into the active text field.
Can I change the keyboard shortcut?
Yes. The settings menu lets you change the key binding used for transcription.
Which platforms does Handy support?
The page links a Linux x64 AppImage download, and the demo video is shown on macOS. The page does not list other platforms.