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Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred

Discontinued
Reviewed
April 2008
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Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred

Pros
  • About 95 percent accuracy
  • Integrates with office software
  • Works with portable voice recorders
Cons
  • Needs a lot of computer space
  • Learning curve
  • Expensive
  • Tech support isn't free 

Reviews say that Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred is the best voice recognition software, with the potential for 99.8 percent accuracy, though reviewers say 95 percent is probably more realistic. The Preferred version can be used with a compatible portable recorder as well as with a microphone plugged into your computer, and reviews say NaturallySpeaking works well with leading Windows office applications. A major gripe in user reviews is a charge (*Est. $10) to contact technical support by email or a charge (*Est. $20) for phone support. If you have Windows Vista (starting at *Est. $95) or plan to buy it, reviews say you should try the voice recognition that's already included in that package before buying Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

We found the best review in The New York Times, by technology writer David Pogue. A review on CBSNews.com is by another veteran tech writer and editor, Larry Magid. He compares Dragon NaturallySpeaking with Windows Vista's speech recognition software. More than 240 owner reviews are posted on Amazon.com, but they serve as a reminder that you'll need to pay close attention to your computer's ability to handle Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Our Sources

1. The New York Times

Technology writer David Pogue favorably compares Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 with iListen for the Macintosh, although he says there's little reason to buy Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 if you already have version 8.

Review: Like Having a Secretary in Your PC, David Pogue, July 20, 2006

2. CBSNews.com

Veteran technology writer Larry Magid tests and uses Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 and the voice recognition feature in the beta version of Vista. He achieves close to 99 percent accuracy with both programs, concluding Dragon is more sophisticated and more versatile but ultimately not choosing one over the other.

Review: Voice Recognition Software Put to Test, Larry Magid, Sept. 30, 2006

3. CNET

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9 receives a CNET editors' rating of excellent, but an average score from users adding comments. The editors find only subtle interface improvements over version 8.

Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9, Editors of CNET, Aug. 16, 2006

4. Amazon.com

Over 250 owner reviews combine to give Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred a slightly above average score, with almost a quarter giving it reviews of only one or two stars. Some complain about being charged for technical support; some say the software creates too many errors.

Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. TrustedReviews.com

Reviewer Simon Williams says Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred is better than version 8. He achieves about 96 percent accuracy in testing, but says NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred requires more training than expected.

Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred Wireless Review, Simon Williams, Aug. 15, 2006

6. Arstechnica.com

Reviewer Nate Anderson tests Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Professional for about two weeks, noting that the cheaper versions of the software utilize the same basic voice recognition engine. He says it's worth the money, but observes your processor will lock up for about a minute if you tap the microphone.

Review: Computing by Mouth, Nate Anderson, Sept. 25, 2006

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