Best Reviewed
Voice Recognition Software
- Best voice recognition software Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 Premium *Est. $200
- Best budget alternative for Windows users Windows Speech Recognition *Est. $0
- Best speech recognition software for Mac Dragon Dictate 2.0 *Est. $200
- Best speech recognition mobile app Dragon Dictation *Est. $0
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Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred
- Highly accurate
- Streamlined, natural language editing and system commands
- Integrates with office software
- Works with portable voice recorders
- Needs a lot of computer space
- Expensive
- Tech support isn't free after 90 days
Reviews say that Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred is the best voice recognition software, with the potential for 99 percent accuracy -- though most say 97 percent is probably more realistic. The Preferred version can be used with a compatible portable digital voice recorder as well as with a microphone (Bluetooth or wired), and experts find that NaturallySpeaking 10 works well with leading Windows office applications. A major gripe in user reviews is the high cost of telephone and email tech support, though the company now says on its website that the first 90 days of support are free (free support was previously limited to the first problem). Nuance was also roundly criticized for its slow support for 64-bit systems, but that issue has since been fixed. If you have or plan to buy a computer with the Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, it's worth trying out Windows Speech Recognition first. Experts say that while Windows Speech Recognition falls a little short of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred, it is included free with Vista and Windows 7 and might be sufficient for many typical users.
We found the best coverage of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 in The New York Times. Although it provides a less detailed analysis of the NaturallySpeaking program itself, TopTenReviews.com offers the strongest comparative assessment, rating Naturally Speaking against its nearest stand-alone competitors, though not Windows Speech Recognition. PCMag.com delivers an exhaustive side-by-side comparison of NaturallySpeaking and Windows Vista Speech Recognition. TrustedReviews.com compares NaturallySpeaking 10 with the previous version. Amazon.com is a good place to go for user opinions.
| Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred - Medium Box | |
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Our Sources
Technology writer David Pogue favorably compares Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 with MacSpeech Dictate and Windows Speech Recognition, as well as NaturallySpeaking version 9. He finds NaturallySpeaking 10 superior to all other available voice recognition systems.
Review: Speak Up, a Computer Is Listening, David Pogue, Aug. 6, 2008
TopTenReviews.com's review chart makes it simple to compare DragonNaturallySpeaking to competing programs. While the individual reviews are generally lacking in depth and detail, the comparative ratings are helpful. The fact that Windows Speech Recognition is left out of the comparison is a significant shortfall.
Review: 2009 Voice Recognition Software Review Product Comparisons, Editors of TopTenReviews.com, Not Dated
In an exceptionally thorough review, Michael Muchmore documents every stage of setting up and using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10, and provides direct comparison to top competitor Windows Speech Recognition every step of the way. Muchmore ultimately finds in favor of NaturallySpeaking, naming it an Editors' Choice.
Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10, Michael Muchmore, Aug. 8, 2008
Answering the question of whether or not it's worthwhile to upgrade, TrustedReviews.com outlines the differences between NaturallySpeaking versions 9 and 10. Reviewer Simon Williams reports that the Bluetooth microphone included in the NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred Wireless bundle is a disappointment.
Review: Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred Wireless Review, Simon Williams, Sept. 5, 2008
5. Amazon.com
More than 150 NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred owners have submitted their experiences to Amazon's user review page, giving the product an overall rating of three out of five. While most say that Dragon's voice recognition technology works well, there is a consistent pattern of complaints regarding compatibility issues and miserable technical support from Nuance, though some of that has since been addressed by the company.
Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Oct. 2009
