---
title: "Willow vs SpeechBee (2026): cloud AI dictation or on-device?"
description: "Willow is AI dictation for Mac, Windows and iPhone with a free Basic plan and Pro at $12 to $15 a month. SpeechBee is on-device dictation plus Read Aloud for Mac, iPhone and iPad at $79 a year or $99 once."
url: "https://speechbee.app/compare/willow-vs-speechbee"
---

# Willow vs SpeechBee

We make SpeechBee, so read this with that in mind. Willow and SpeechBee both type what you say into any app. Willow processes in the cloud by default and learns your writing style. SpeechBee always processes on your device and also reads text aloud.

By the SpeechBee team, who make SpeechBee. Prices rechecked on 13 October 2026.

> ### The short answer
>
> - **Pick Willow** for a free plan with unlimited dictation, a Windows app, AI writing help (Scribe), style memory, and team plans with HIPAA.
> - **Pick SpeechBee** for speech that never leaves your device, Read Aloud, iPad support, and a one-time price.

## Side by side

| | Willow | SpeechBee |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Basic free; Pro $15/mo or $12/mo billed yearly; Business $35 or $28/mo | $9/mo, $79/yr, or $99 once |
| Free option | Unlimited dictation on its smaller model, 20 Scribe uses a week | 7 days free with every feature |
| Where speech is processed | Its cloud by default; lists an on-device offline mode | Always on your device |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, iPhone | Mac, iPhone, iPad |
| AI writing | Scribe, smart memory of your style on Pro | Optional on-device cleanup on Mac, off by default |
| Dictionary and snippets | Personalization | Dictionary and snippets, optional private iCloud sync |
| Read text aloud | No | Yes |
| Teams | Business with zero data retention, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA; Enterprise SSO | No team plan |

## Price

**One year, in US dollars**

- Willow Pro, yearly: $144
- SpeechBee Yearly: $79

Willow's free plan is more useful long term than SpeechBee's 7-day trial if its smaller model is accurate enough for you. For paid use, SpeechBee is $65 a year cheaper, or $99 once.

## Privacy

Willow says Privacy Mode is on by default, audio is discarded after processing, and transcripts aren't logged on its servers by default. Normal processing runs in its cloud, and it lists an offline mode. SpeechBee never sends audio anywhere: recognition always runs on your Mac, iPhone or iPad.

## Reading aloud

SpeechBee reads selected text in any Mac app with natural local voices, and pasted text on iPhone and iPad. Willow has no text to speech.

## Questions

### Is Willow free?

Willow's Basic plan is free, with unlimited dictation on its smaller Frontier Mini model and 20 Scribe uses a week.

### Is SpeechBee cheaper than Willow?

For paid plans, yes: $79 a year or $99 once, against Willow Pro at $144 a year billed yearly.

### Does Willow work offline?

Willow lists an offline mode powered by your device. Its normal processing is in the cloud. SpeechBee always works offline after its model downloads.

### Does Willow work on Windows?

Yes. SpeechBee is for Mac, iPhone and iPad only.

## Keep comparing

- [Willow alternatives](https://speechbee.app/compare/willow-alternatives)
- [Wispr Flow vs SpeechBee](https://speechbee.app/compare/wispr-flow-vs-speechbee)
- [The best dictation apps for Mac](https://speechbee.app/compare/best-dictation-app-mac)

## More on dictation

- [Every dictation guide and comparison](https://speechbee.app/guides/voice-typing-mac)
- [Wispr Flow privacy](https://speechbee.app/compare/wispr-flow-privacy)
- [Wispr Flow vs Aqua Voice](https://speechbee.app/compare/wispr-flow-vs-aqua-voice)
- [Wispr Flow vs Typeless](https://speechbee.app/compare/wispr-flow-vs-typeless)
- [Dictation for email and Slack](https://speechbee.app/guides/dictation-for-email-and-slack)
- [Dictate in Gmail](https://speechbee.app/guides/dictation-in-gmail)
- [Every read-aloud guide and comparison](https://speechbee.app/guides/read-text-aloud)

## Sources

Checked on 12 October 2026; prices rechecked on 13 October 2026.

- [Willow pricing](https://willowvoice.com/pricing), [Willow](https://willowvoice.com/) and [Willow security](https://willowvoice.com/security)
- SpeechBee facts from our [homepage](https://speechbee.app/) and [privacy policy](https://speechbee.app/privacy)