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Serenade
What it is
Serenade is a free, open-source voice assistant for writing and editing code with natural speech. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with Chrome also supported. Voice commands can add, insert, change, and delete code, as well as navigate, copy, and paste. Developers can set custom vocabulary and create voice commands or plugins through the Serenade Protocol, which uses JSON over WebSockets between the desktop app and plugins. Listed integrations and supported tools include VS Code, Chrome, Hyper, Slack, IntelliJ, Jupyter, and GitHub. Speech recognition can run through a cloud service or locally on the device. In cloud mode, audio and the edited file are sent to Serenade servers; the maker says they are not stored unless sharing is enabled. Local processing keeps audio and code on the device unless sharing is enabled. Windows local processing requires WSL with Ubuntu. Users can change sharing preferences in the application. Serenade is licensed under Apache 2.0.
For and against
For
- Free plan available
- Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Supports local speech processing
- Custom vocabulary and plugin protocol
- Voice editing commands for code
Against
- Windows local mode requires WSL with Ubuntu
- Cloud mode sends audio and edited files to servers
- Chrome is listed as supported, not a desktop platform
The verdict
Serenade offers voice coding across major desktop platforms with cloud or local speech processing. Its Windows local setup and data-sharing choices are important considerations before use.
Who it suits
Serenade suits developers who want voice-based coding, including people avoiding typing because of an injury. It also fits users seeking local processing or customizable voice commands.
Plans and prices
Serenade
Download for free · macOS, Windows, Linux
Read 4 Oct 2026 · serenade.ai
On the record
- Accessibility
- The maker says Serenade can help people with an injury or anyone looking to prevent one work without typing.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cloud data handling
- With a cloud endpoint, audio and the file being edited are sent to Serenade servers; the maker says they are not stored unless the user opts in to sharing.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Custom commands
- Users can create custom voice commands and plugins using Serenade's open protocol.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Custom vocabulary
- Yesserenade.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Editing commands
- Voice commands can add, insert, change, delete, navigate, copy, and paste code.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists integrations and supported tools including VS Code, Chrome, Hyper, Slack, IntelliJ, Jupyter, and GitHub.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Local data handling
- With local processing, audio and code stay on the device unless the user opts in to sharing data.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Local-mode requirement
- On Windows, the local server requires WSL with Ubuntu.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Offline dictation
- Yesserenade.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Open source
- The maker says Serenade is fully open source and licensed under Apache 2.0.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy controls
- Users can opt in to share audio and code data, and can change that setting in the Serenade application.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy model
- hybridserenade.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Protocol
- The Serenade Protocol uses JSON over WebSockets for communication between the desktop app and plugins.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Serenade is an open-source voice assistant that lets developers write code using natural speech.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Speech modes
- Serenade can use cloud speech recognition or process speech locally on the device.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site provides a community link and lists [email protected] for contact.serenade.ai · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Windows,Linux,Chromeserenade.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Voice commands
- Yesserenade.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
