Stay with the extension if
- You mostly dictate into browser-based applications.
- You want to try Contextli in under a minute, with nothing to install beyond Chrome.
- You are on a device where you cannot install apps.
Extension vs apps
The Chrome extension, and what the apps add.
The extension is Contextli inside your browser. The desktop and mobile apps work across everything else you use. Here is exactly where they differ, so you can pick the one that fits.
Side by side
What each one does.
Scroll sideways on mobile.
| Chrome extension | Desktop & mobile apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can dictate | In the browser only. | Any app on your computer (Windows and Mac), and any app on your phone. |
| Where your text lands | Typed straight into the message box on ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity and v0. On other sites it appears in a small box for you to copy. | Pasted into the field you are working in. On phones, through the Contextli keyboard (Android also has a floating mic and a notification mic). |
| Start and stop | Click the mic. | A global hotkey on desktop, with hold-to-record or toggle. On phones, tap in the app or keyboard. |
| Modes | Choose between Polished and Raw transcription, plus any custom Modes you made in the app. You cannot create or edit Modes in the extension. | Create and edit your own Modes. On desktop, give each Mode its own hotkey. |
| Switches Mode by app | No. You pick one Mode and it stays. | Desktop automaitcally suggests a Mode based on the app you are in, on Mac & mobile too. |
| Custom vocabulary | No dictionary to edit. | Add your own words and replacements. |
| Notes and history | Not in the extension. | Your dictations are saved as notes you can browse. |
| Spaces | Not in the extension. | Share Modes and vocabulary with a team. |
| Voice labels ("label it...") | Not in the extension. | Label a just by dictating that you want to. |
| Dictation language | No language setting. | Choose your language in settings. |
| Offline dictation | No. Audio is always processed online. | Desktop can transcribe on your device. Android can too, on paid plans. |
| Platforms | Chrome. | Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. A Linux build exists for desktop without auto-paste. |
| Account | Sign in with your Contextli account. | The same account. |
Which one
Pick the one that fits how you work.
Get the apps if
- You want to dictate into email, Slack, documents, or ANY app outside the browser.
- You want a hotkey instead of clicking a mic.
- You want notes, vocabulary, Spaces or voice labels.
- You want to dictate on your phone.