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HomeSoftwareAI ToolsHandy: Offline Open-Source Speech-to-Text AI App For Windows, macOS & Linux

Handy: Offline Open-Source Speech-to-Text AI App For Windows, macOS & Linux

Powerful & Offline Speech-to-Text AI App

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File Information

NameHandy – Offline Speech-to-Text AI App
LicenseMIT License (Open Source)
Platforms SupportedWindows / macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) / Linux
Official RepoGithub Handy
Websitehandy
DeveloperChristopher J. Pais
Technologies UsedRust, Tauri, React, TypeScript, Whisper, Parakeet V3
Installer TypePortable executables (no cloud dependency, works fully offline)
Size10MB (Windows), 16MB (macOS), 18MB (Linux) may vary by OS

Description

Handy is a powerful, privacy-focused, offline speech-to-text AI application designed for speed, simplicity, and complete local processing. Built with Tauri (Rust + React + TypeScript), Handy brings frictionless transcription to Windows, macOS, and Linux—completely free and open source.

Unlike cloud-based tools that send your voice data to remote servers, Handy performs every step locally on your device. Your audio never leaves your computer. With customizable shortcuts, just press a key, speak, and watch your words typed instantly into any text field—whether it’s Notepad, Word, a browser, terminals, or coding editors.

Handy supports Whisper models (Small, Medium, Turbo, Large) for ultra-accurate transcription with GPU acceleration where available, as well as Parakeet V3, a fast CPU-optimized speech model with automatic language detection.

Designed to be extensible, hackable, forkable, and easy to build on, Handy isn’t trying to be “the biggest speech tool”, it’s designed to be the most customizable and developer-friendly one. Privacy-conscious users, open-source enthusiasts, developers, and productivity warriors will immediately love its lightweight design and advanced capabilities.

Whether you want faster dictation, hands-free writing, offline transcription for sensitive content, or a customizable STT engine, Handy is one of the best open-source alternatives to cloud tools like Google Dictation, Otter.ai, Whisper Web UIs, VoiceIn, etc.

Screenshots

Features of Handy Speech to Text AI

FeatureDetails
100% OfflineNo cloud calls. Transcription runs fully on your device.
Open Source & FreeMIT licensed. Fully modifiable and extensible.
Cross-PlatformRuns on Windows, macOS, and Linux (AppImage supported).
Shortcut-Based TranscriptionPress a hotkey → speak → release → text appears anywhere.
Whisper Model SupportSmall, Medium, Turbo, Large with GPU acceleration when available.
Parakeet V3 SupportCPU-optimized model, ~5x faster real-time on mid-range hardware.
Auto PastingOutput goes directly into text fields seamlessly.
Voice Activity Detection (VAD)Silence filtered using Silero VAD.
Push-to-Talk ModeOptional real-time transcription workflow.
Configurable HotkeysCustomize start/stop shortcuts easily.
Debug ModeCmd/Ctrl + Shift + D for logs & diagnostics.
CLI InteroperableCan work with Handy CLI & related tools.
Extensible ArchitectureDesigned for contributors and developers.

System Requirements

ComponentRecommended for Best Performance
CPUIntel i5 (Skylake+) / AMD Equivalent
GPU (Whisper)NVIDIA / AMD / Intel GPU recommended
RAM8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
OSWindows 10/11 (x64), macOS Intel & M-series, Linux x64
Linux TestedUbuntu 22.04 / 24.04
Disk SpaceWhisper models range from 400MB to 1.6GB depending on selected model

How to Install Handy Speech To Text AI App??

Windows (.exe)

  1. Download Handy.exe
  2. Run the executable
  3. Allow microphone permission when prompted
  4. Open Handy from Start Menu or Desktop
  5. Go to Settings → Shortcuts and configure start/stop key
  6. Choose your transcription model
    • Whisper (GPU-accelerated)
    • Parakeet V3 (CPU, fast & lightweight)
  7. Press your shortcut → speak → release

Done! Handy will paste transcription automatically into any text field.

macOS (.dmg)

  1. Download Handy.dmg
  2. Open the DMG and drag Handy to Applications
  3. macOS may show “untrusted developer” → open via:
    System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow Anyway
  4. Grant microphone + accessibility permissions
  5. Launch Handy
  6. Configure your shortcut and model (Whisper or Parakeet)

Start transcribing anywhere instantly.

Linux (.AppImage)

  1. Download Handy_0.6.0_amd64_linux.AppImage
  2. Make it executable:
    chmod +x Handy_0.6.0_amd64_linux.AppImage
  3. Run the AppImage
  4. Grant mic permissions if using Wayland/X11
  5. Configure shortcuts and select your STT model

You’re ready to use Handy across all Linux apps.

For DEB-Based Distros (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Debian, etc.)

File: Handy_0.6.0_amd64_linux.deb

  1. Download the .deb file Handy_0.6.0_amd64_linux.deb
  2. Open Terminal in the download directory cd ~/Downloads
  3. Install the package sudo dpkg -i Handy_0.6.0_amd64_linux.deb
  4. Fix missing dependencies (if any) sudo apt --fix-broken install
  5. Launch Handy handy or open from the application menu.

For RPM-Based Distros (Fedora, RHEL, Rocky Linux, openSUSE, etc.)

File: Handy-0.6.0-1.x86_64_linux.rpm

  1. Download the .rpm file Handy-0.6.0-1.x86_64_linux.rpm
  2. Open Terminal in the download directory cd ~/Downloads
  3. Install the package
    Fedora / RHEL / Rocky / AlmaLinux: sudo rpm -i Handy-0.6.0-1.x86_64_linux.rpm or sudo dnf install Handy-0.6.0-1.x86_64_linux.rpm openSUSE: sudo zypper install Handy-0.6.0-1.x86_64_linux.rpm
  4. Launch Handy handy or via application launcher.

Download Handy Offline Open-Source Speech-to-Text AI App For Windows, macOS & Linux

Why Handy Stands Out??

  • Best open-source alternative to cloud speech-to-text apps
  • Faster offline transcription with Whisper / Parakeet
  • Fully private, no data leaves your device
  • Perfect for programmers, writers, journalists, students, and productivity users
  • Excellent voice dictation tool for long documents & coding workflows
  • Designed for extensibility, ideal for developers

Conclusion

Handy is one of the best offline, open-source, privacy-preserving speech-to-text apps available today.


It’s lightweight, fast, cross-platform, secure, and designed both for everyday users and developers who want something powerful yet extensible. With no cloud usage, no paid plans, and complete local processing, Handy stands out as a perfect alternative to cloud STT tools.

Whether you’re dictating emails, coding hands-free, writing documents, or transcribing sensitive material, Handy delivers fast, accurate, private transcription across Windows, macOS, and Linux—with simple installation and zero tracking.

Download it, set your shortcut, and enjoy instant speech-to-text anywhere.

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