Best Dictation App for Slack
You send 50+ Slack messages daily. That’s hours of typing you could avoid.
Slack changed how teams communicate. Instead of long emails, we send quick messages throughout the day.
But “quick” adds up. If you send 50 messages averaging 30 words each, that’s 1,500 words daily – just in Slack.
At 50 words per minute typing, that’s 30+ minutes of pure Slack typing. Every day.
Using a good dictation app can cut that to 6 minutes. Here’s how to pick the right one and set it up.
Quick Answer: Best Dictation App for Slack
| Tool | Price | Slack Integration | Best For |
| Contextli ⭐ | from $79 lifetime | Auto-paste at cursor | Formatted, casual output |
| Wispr Flow | $15/mo | Auto-paste at cursor | Clean transcription |
| Superwhisper | $249 lifetime | Auto-paste at cursor | Mac power users |
| Built-in Dictation | Free | Works in Slack field | Basic, occasional use |
Does Slack Have Built-in Voice-to-Text?
Before comparing third-party tools, it’s worth understanding what Slack actually offers natively – because it comes up constantly, and the answer is more limited than most people expect.
What Slack does have:
- Audio Clips: You can record and send short voice messages inside any channel or DM. Slack also auto-transcribes them so recipients can read instead of listen. This is useful for sharing updates asynchronously, but it’s one-way audio – not voice-to-text for message composition.
- Huddle transcription: Slack AI can generate transcripts from Huddles (the live audio call feature), but this is a paid Slack AI feature and captures spoken conversation after the fact – not for composing messages.
What Slack does not have:
Slack does not have a built-in way to speak a message and have it appear as typed text in the message box – ready to send as a text message. There’s no native “hold to dictate, release to send” feature inside the message composer.
That’s the gap all the tools in this article are filling. You need a third-party speech to text app running at the OS level (or as a browser extension) to dictate directly into Slack’s message field.
One more important note: some browser-extension-based dictation tools only work in the web version of Slack (app.slack.com in Chrome), not the Slack desktop app. If you primarily use the desktop app, this matters when evaluating your options.
The Slack Typing Problem
The Volume
Average knowledge worker Slack usage:
- 50+ messages sent daily
- 200+ messages read
- Multiple channels and DMs
- Responses expected quickly
The Time Cost
Typing calculation:
- 50 messages x 30 words average = 1,500 words
- 1,500 words / 50 WPM = 30 minutes
That’s just typing. Add thinking time, editing, and context-switching.
Real daily Slack time: Often 1-2 hours.
The Voice Alternative
Speaking calculation:
- 50 messages x 30 words = 1,500 words
- 1,500 words / 250 WPM = 6 minutes
Time saved: 24+ minutes daily just on Slack typing.
What Makes Good Slack Dictation
1. Appropriate Tone
Slack messages should be casual and conversational – not formal like email.
Raw transcription often sounds too informal (all lowercase, filler words). Over-formatted AI sounds too stiff.
Good Slack dictation hits the middle: casual but clear.
2. Auto-Paste
The output should appear directly in the Slack input field. Copying and pasting defeats the speed purpose.
3. Context Handling
Slack messages are often responses or continuations:
- “Sounds good, let’s do it”
- “Yeah, I’ll handle that”
- “Can you clarify what you mean by X?”
The tool should handle these short, contextual messages gracefully.
4. Speed
Slack is real-time. If dictation takes longer than typing, you’ll abandon it.
5. Works in Your Slack Version
As mentioned above, some tools only function in the browser-based Slack at app.slack.com – not the desktop app. Check compatibility before committing.
#1: Contextli – Best Overall for Slack
Price: from $79 one-time (lifetime)
Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux
Best for: Formatted, Slack-appropriate output
Why Contextli Works for Slack
Contextli lets you create a custom “Slack Context” with settings specifically for Slack messages. The key difference versus a raw dictation app is that Contextli doesn’t just transcribe – it transforms. You speak messy, stream-of-consciousness thoughts and get back a properly formatted Slack message that’s ready to send.
Slack Context configuration:
- Casual, conversational tone
- No formal greeting/sign-off
- Short paragraphs or single lines
- Preserve natural phrasing
Contextli works directly inside the Slack desktop app (not just web Slack), activating from any application via a global hotkey. You can see the full setup on the Contextli Slack integration page.
The Slack Workflow
- Click in Slack message field
- Press Slack hotkey (e.g., Cmd+Shift+S)
- Speak your message
- Formatted message appears in field
- Press Enter to send
Time: 5-10 seconds per message vs. 30-60 seconds typing.
Example Messages
Spoken: “sounds good let’s sync tomorrow morning to finalize the details”
Output: “Sounds good! Let’s sync tomorrow morning to finalize the details.”
Spoken: “yeah I’ll take care of that should have it done by end of day”
Output: “Yeah, I’ll take care of that. Should have it done by EOD.”
Spoken: “hey quick question about the API changes do we need to update the tests first”
Output: “Hey, quick question about the API changes – do we need to update the tests first?”
The real power shows up when your messages are longer and more complex. Here’s what Context Mode looks like when you’re speaking an actual coordination message:
Spoken: “just give john a heads up that the api endpoint he’s working on is changing next week we’re migrating to v2 he’ll need to update his tests and i’ll share the full spec in the thread”
Contextli Slack Context output:
“Hey John – heads up for next week: we’re migrating the API to v2, which will affect the endpoint you’re working on. You’ll need to update your tests before the migration. I’ll drop the full spec in the thread so you have everything you need. Let me know if you have questions.”
That’s not transcription. That’s a finished message you can send without touching it.
Pros for Slack
- Custom Slack Context for appropriate tone
- Auto-paste at cursor
- Hotkey activation (no app switching)
- Works in both desktop and web Slack
- One-time pricing from $79
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux
- Fully offline/local mode available for sensitive workplaces
Cons
- Requires initial Context setup
- Not free
#2: Wispr Flow – Best Subscription Option
Price: Free (2K words/wk) / $15/mo Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS Best for: Clean transcription
Overview
Wispr Flow provides cleaner transcription than built-in dictation – removing filler words and handling self-corrections.
For Slack
Wispr Flow works well for Slack because:
- Filler words removed (cleaner messages)
- Auto-paste at cursor
- Quick activation
But output is transcription, not formatting. Casual speech stays casual – which actually works for Slack’s informal tone.
Example
Spoken: “um yeah sounds good let’s do that”
Wispr output: “yeah sounds good let’s do that”
(Note: capitalization and punctuation may vary)
Pros for Slack
- Filler word removal
- Auto-paste
- Free tier to try
- Good accuracy
Cons for Slack
- Still transcription (less formatting than Contextli)
- Subscription ($15/mo)
- Cloud-dependent
Best For
Users who want to try Slack dictation with a free option first and don’t mind occasional light cleanup. If you find yourself wanting more consistent formatting, that’s when Contextli starts making more sense.
#3: Superwhisper – Best for Mac Power Users
Price: $8.49/mo or $249 lifetime Platforms: Mac only Best for: Mac users who want customization
Overview
Superwhisper offers extensive customization, including modes that can be configured for Slack-style output.
For Slack
Like Contextli, you can create a Slack-specific Context. But:
- Mac-only (no Windows/Linux)
- Higher lifetime price ($249)
- More complex setup
If you’re comparing Superwhisper options more broadly, this breakdown of Superwhisper alternatives covers the tradeoffs in detail.
Pros for Slack
- Custom Slack Context possible
- Offline capable
- Lifetime license available
Cons for Slack
- Mac only
- More expensive ($249)
- Steeper learning curve
Best For
Mac power users who already use Superwhisper and want Slack integration.
#4: Built-in Dictation – Free Option
Price: Free Platforms: Mac (Fn+Fn), Windows (Win+H) Best for: Occasional Slack dictation
Overview
System dictation works in Slack’s message field. It’s basic but free.
For Slack
Built-in dictation for Slack is workable:
- Click in Slack field
- Activate dictation (Fn+Fn on Mac, Win+H on Windows)
- Speak
- Edit as needed
But: raw transcription includes filler words, lacks formatting, and often needs cleanup. This is the difference between a speech to text app and a voice-to-formatted-text tool – built-in dictation is firmly in the former category.
Pros for Slack
- Free
- No installation
- Works directly in Slack
Cons for Slack
- Raw transcription
- Filler words included
- Manual cleanup needed
- Inconsistent punctuation
Best For
Occasional Slack dictation when you don’t want to install anything.
Setting Up Slack Dictation
Contextli Slack Context Setup
- Create new Context called “Slack”
- Configure prompt:
Format for Slack messaging:- Casual, conversational tone- No formal greetings or sign-offs- Keep it short and direct- Use contractions naturally- Appropriate punctuation- Assign hotkey: Cmd+Shift+S (or your preference)
- Test: Press hotkey in Slack field, speak, verify output
You can also check the Contextli features page for more detail on how custom Contexts work, including the screenshot capture option that lets Contextli see what’s on screen when you start recording – useful for replying to a visible Slack message with full context.
Wispr Flow Setup
- Install Wispr Flow
- Configure activation method
- Use in Slack’s message field
Built-in Setup
Mac: System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation > Enable
Windows: Settings > Privacy > Speech > Enable online speech recognition
Slack Dictation Tips
1. Keep Messages Short
Voice works best for messages under 50 words. For longer messages, consider:
- Breaking into multiple messages
- Using email instead
- Typing (for complex formatting)
2. Use Mentions Correctly
When you need @mentions:
- Speak the name, then add @ manually
- Or configure your tool to handle “at” as @
Example: Say “tell Sarah” > Output “tell Sarah” > Add @ before Sarah
3. Handle Code Blocks
For code snippets, voice isn’t ideal. Type those manually or use:
- Speak the explanation
- Type the code separately
4. Thread Replies
Voice works the same in threads. Click the thread, speak your response.
5. Quick Reactions
Sometimes an emoji reaction is faster than any message. Don’t over-engineer.
6. Whisper Mode
Most of these tools pick up quieter speech. In open offices, you can whisper your message directly into your mic and still get accurate output – you don’t need to speak at full volume.
Time Savings Calculation
Assumptions:
- 50 Slack messages daily
- 30 words average per message
Typing:
- 1,500 words / 50 WPM = 30 minutes
Voice (with Contextli):
- 1,500 words / 250 WPM = 6 minutes
Daily Savings: 24 minutes
Weekly Savings: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Annual Savings: 104 hours (2.6+ work weeks)
When NOT to Use Voice for Slack
Voice dictation isn’t ideal for:
- Code snippets – Type these manually
- Complex formatting – Lists, tables, etc.
- Sensitive content – If privacy is a concern (though Contextli’s local offline mode solves this – nothing ever leaves your device)
- Open offices – If you can’t speak discretely
- Quick emoji reactions – Just click
For standard text messages? Voice wins on speed.
Recommendation
For most Slack users: Contextli (from $79)
- Custom Slack Context produces appropriate output
- Auto-paste means no copy/paste
- Hotkey activation (no app switching)
- Works in both desktop and web Slack
- One-time price vs. subscription
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux
For trying Slack dictation: Built-in (Free) or Wispr Flow (Free tier)
- Test if voice works for your Slack usage
- Upgrade to Contextli if you want better output
Check the Contextli pricing page for current plan details – there’s a Starter lifetime option if you want to try the full feature set at a lower entry point.
Final Thought
Slack messages feel fast because they’re short. But volume creates hours of typing.
Voice-to-text for Slack isn’t about any single message – it’s about the cumulative 24+ minutes daily you could reclaim. At 5 days a week, that’s 2 full hours back every week. Over a year, it’s more than 2.5 work weeks.
Next Resources
More guides to level up your voice-to-text workflow:
- Speech to Text vs Voice to Text: What’s the Difference? – Understand why raw transcription and AI transformation are two completely different things
- Voice Recognition Software Compared: 4 Wispr Flow Alternatives (2026) – If Wispr Flow is on your shortlist, here’s how it stacks up against the field
- Voice to Text Software: 5 Best Superwhisper Alternatives (2026) – A deeper look at Superwhisper alternatives across Mac, Windows, and Linux
- 7 Ways to Write Faster Without Typing (I Use 3 Daily) – Beyond Slack – how to reclaim typing time across your entire workflow
How many Slack messages do you send daily? Share in the comments.
About the Author
I’m the founder of Contextli, a context-aware voice transformation tool for professionals. Before building Contextli, I spent years frustrated with dictation tools that gave me transcripts instead of finished output. That frustration became a product.
I spend my time:
- Writing LinkedIn posts about voice AI and productivity
- Replying to support tickets at 11 PM
- Firefighting technical issues
- Building features based on user feedback
Everything I write here comes from real testing, real use, and real frustration with tools that don’t deliver.
This article isn’t objective (I have a dog in this race), but it’s honest. I’ve tried to present each tool fairly, including limitations of my own product.
Verification: You can test everything I’ve claimed:
- Disconnect your internet and use these tools
- Run Wireshark to verify network calls
- Test accuracy on your own audio
- Compare speeds on your own hardware
Don’t trust marketing. Test it yourself.
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