Echo extends Handy — built on the same foundation
This comparison is special. Echo is built on top of Handy, created by cjpais. Both are free, MIT-licensed, cross-platform, and 100% offline. Echo adds LLM tool-calling, a redesigned UI, and more polish on top of Handy's excellent foundation.
Echo would not exist without Handy. If you prefer the minimal original, Handy is excellent. If you want the extended feature set, try Echo.
Download Echo FreeFeature by feature
| Feature | Echo | Handy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✓Free forever | ✓Free forever |
| Open Source | ✓MIT License | ✓MIT License (github.com/cjpais/Handy) |
| Platforms | ✓macOS, Windows, Linux | ✓macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Offline Processing | ✓100% local — always offline | ✓100% local — always offline |
| Account Required | ✓Never | ✓Never |
| Global Shortcut / Auto-Paste | ✓Yes — push-to-talk, pastes anywhere | ✓Yes — push-to-talk, pastes anywhere |
| Voice Activity Detection | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| LLM Tool-Calling | ✓Yes — extended AI capabilities | —Basic LLM support |
| UI Design | ✓Redesigned with motion animations | —Minimal original design |
| Update Checker | ✓Polished in-app update flow | —Basic |
| Model Management | ✓Enhanced model management UI | —Basic model selection |
| Onboarding | ✓Guided setup experience | —Minimal onboarding |
| CLI Support | ✓Not available | ✓Yes |
| ASR Models | ✓Three multilingual Whisper sizes | ✓Whisper + Parakeet + Breeze + SenseVoice |
Echo and Handy: the relationship
Built on the Same Foundation
Echo would not exist without Handy. cjpais created the original architecture — Tauri-based, privacy-first, cross-platform dictation with global shortcuts and auto-paste. Echo extends that foundation rather than replacing it.
Extended Feature Set
Echo adds LLM tool-calling support, a redesigned interface with motion animations, polished onboarding, and improved model management UI. If you want more on top of what Handy provides, Echo is the extended version.
Same Privacy, More Polish
Both apps share the same core values: 100% offline, MIT-licensed, no account, no cloud. Echo simply adds more interface polish and features for users who want a more complete experience.
Want the extended feature set?
No account. No cloud. Free forever.
Download Echo FreeFree forever · MIT License · Open source on GitHub · Built on Handy