VoiceMode
Natural voice conversations with Claude Code (and other MCP capable agents)
VoiceMode enables natural voice conversations with Claude Code. Voice isn't about replacing typing - it's about being available when typing isn't.
Perfect for:
- Walking to your next meeting
- Cooking while debugging
- Giving your eyes a break after hours of screen time
- Holding a coffee (or a dog)
- Any moment when your hands or eyes are busy
See It In Action
Quick Start
Requirements: Computer with microphone and speakers
Option 1: Claude Code Plugin (Recommended)
The fastest way for Claude Code users to get started:
# Add the VoiceMode marketplace
claude plugin marketplace add mbailey/voicemode
# Install VoiceMode plugin
claude plugin install voicemode@voicemode
## Install dependencies (CLI, Local Voice Services)
/voicemode:install
# Start talking!
/voicemode:converse
Option 2: Python installer package
Installs dependencies and the VoiceMode Python package.
# Install UV package manager (if needed)
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
# Run the installer (sets up dependencies and local voice services)
uvx voice-mode-install
# Add to Claude Code
claude mcp add --scope user voicemode -- uvx --refresh --from voice-mode voicemode-mcp-launcher
# Optional: Add OpenAI API key as fallback for local services
export OPENAI_API_KEY=your-openai-key
# Start a conversation
claude converse
For manual setup, see the Getting Started Guide.
Features
- Natural conversations - speak naturally, hear responses immediately
- Works offline - optional local voice services (Whisper STT, Kokoro TTS)
- Low latency - fast enough to feel like a real conversation
- Smart silence detection - stops recording when you stop speaking
- Privacy options - run entirely locally or use cloud services
Compatibility
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows (native or WSL), NixOS Python: 3.10-3.14
Configuration
VoiceMode works out of the box. For customization:
# Set OpenAI API key (if using cloud services)
export OPENAI_API_KEY="your-key"
# Or configure via file
voicemode config edit
See the Configuration Guide for all options.
Permissions Setup (Optional)
To use VoiceMode without permission prompts, add to ~/.claude/settings.json:
{
"permissions": {
"allow": [
"mcp__voicemode__converse",
"mcp__voicemode__service"
]
}
}
See the Permissions Guide for more options.
Local Voice Services
For privacy or offline use, install local speech services:
- Whisper.cpp - Local speech-to-text
- Kokoro - Local text-to-speech with multiple voices
These provide the same API as OpenAI, so VoiceMode switches seamlessly between them.
Installation Details
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y ffmpeg gcc libasound2-dev libasound2-plugins libportaudio2 portaudio19-dev pulseaudio pulseaudio-utils python3-dev
WSL2 users: The pulseaudio packages above are required for microphone access.
Fedora/RHEL
sudo dnf install alsa-lib-devel ffmpeg gcc portaudio portaudio-devel python3-devel
macOS
brew install ffmpeg node portaudio
NixOS
# Use development shell
nix develop github:mbailey/voicemode
# Or install system-wide
nix profile install github:mbailey/voicemode
From source
git clone https://github.com/mbailey/voicemode.git
cd voicemode
uv tool install -e .
NixOS system-wide
# In /etc/nixos/configuration.nix
environment.systemPackages = [
(builtins.getFlake "github:mbailey/voicemode").packages.${pkgs.system}.default
];
Troubleshooting
Save Audio for Debugging
export VOICEMODE_SAVE_AUDIO=true
# Files saved to ~/.voicemode/audio/YYYY/MM/
Documentation
- Getting Started - Full setup guide
- Configuration - All environment variables
- Whisper Setup - Local speech-to-text
- Kokoro Setup - Local text-to-speech
- Development Setup - Contributing guide
Full documentation: voicemode.dev
Links
- Website: voicemode.dev
- GitHub: github.com/mbailey/voicemode
- PyPI: pypi.org/project/voice-mode
- YouTube: @getvoicemode
- Twitter/X: @getvoicemode
- Newsletter:
License
MIT - A Failmode Project
mcp-name: dev.voicemode/voicemode
