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Blurt vs Dragon, honestly.
Dragon is the name everyone knows. Blurt is the one you can try free today, on the Mac Dragon left behind.
The key difference: a full cockpit vs one key.
Dragon earned its reputation by voice-controlling the whole PC: custom commands, macros, transcription of recordings, industry editions. That depth costs $699 and lives on Windows only. Blurt does one job: press a key, talk, and clean text lands wherever your cursor is, on Mac, Windows, and Chrome, free to start.
Side by side
Blurt vs Dragon
| Features | Blurt | Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS 14+, Windows 10 & 11, and Chrome | Windows 10 & 11 only; the Mac version was discontinued in 2018 |
| Price | Free plan; Premium $9.99/mo (beta rate) or an $89 12-month license | $699 one-time for Dragon Professional v16 |
| Free plan | 2,500 words per week on the full engine | None; paid license only |
| Where transcription happens | On your device | On your PC (desktop app) |
| Setup | Install, sign in, hold a key | Install and set up a user profile; a deeper tool to learn |
| AI cleanup / formatting | Included with Premium, no API key: Email, Notes, Code & Journal modes | Formatting and auto-text rules; no AI rewrite pass |
| Voice control of the computer | Dictation-first: your words land where the cursor is | Deep: custom voice commands and full PC control |
| Recorded audio | Live dictation only | Can transcribe recorded audio files |
Pick Dragon if...
- You want to control all of Windows by voice: commands, macros, hands-free everything.
- You need to transcribe recorded audio files, not just dictate live.
- Your organization already runs on Dragon and its custom command libraries.
Pick Blurt if...
- You use a Mac. Dragon has not sold a Mac version since 2018.
- You want to start free and pay $9.99 a month or $89 a year, not $699 up front.
- You want AI cleanup that turns rambling into a clean email, not just verbatim text.
- You want the same tool on your Mac, your PC, and Chrome with one account.
FAQ
Common questions
Is there a Dragon for Mac?
No. Nuance discontinued Dragon for Mac in October 2018 and has not sold a Mac version since. Blurt runs natively on macOS 14 or newer, and the same account works on Windows and Chrome.
How much does Dragon cost compared to Blurt?
Dragon Professional v16 is $699 as a one-time license, Windows only, with no free plan. Blurt starts free with 2,500 words a week, and Premium is $9.99 a month at the beta rate or $89 for a 12-month license.
Can Blurt control my computer by voice like Dragon?
No, and it does not try to. Dragon's strength is voice command of the whole PC. Blurt is dictation: hold a key, talk, and your words land wherever your cursor is, in any app. If you need full hands-free control of Windows, Dragon earns its price. If you need fast, clean writing, Blurt is the simpler tool.
What about medical dictation?
Dragon's clinical products are separate subscriptions sold to health systems. Blurt Premium includes an offline medical vocabulary and Private mode, which keeps every word on your device: a simple option for clinicians who type their own notes. See the Clinical page.
Dragon pricing and platform details are from Nuance's site and authorized reseller listings for Dragon Professional v16, checked September 2026, and may change. Dragon is a product of Nuance Communications, a Microsoft company; all trademarks belong to their owners. All trademarks belong to their owners; Blurt is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dragon. See our pricing for current Blurt plans.
Try the on-device way.
Download Blurt, sign in with your email, and dictate your first sentence in minutes. Free plan, no card required.
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