LipSurf Review

What Is LipSurf?

Every Chrome voice typing extension lets you dictate text. LipSurf does that too — but it also lets you scroll pages, click links by saying their number, switch between tabs, navigate back and forward, fill out forms, and control YouTube playback, all by voice. It's closer to a voice-controlled browser than a dictation tool.

The extension was built with accessibility at its core. For users with RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, or motor disabilities who cannot comfortably use a keyboard and mouse, LipSurf provides a way to use the entire web hands-free. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks — anywhere Chrome runs.

Beyond Dictation: Full Browser Control

Say 'scroll down' and the page scrolls. Say 'click' and numbered overlays appear on every clickable element — say the number to click it. Say 'tab right' or 'tab left' to switch between open tabs. Say 'go back' to navigate to the previous page. Say 'search' followed by your query to trigger a Google search. These voice commands work on any website without site-specific configuration.

For form filling, you can dictate into text fields by saying the field's label or number. On checkout pages, registration forms, and data entry screens, this eliminates the keyboard entirely. YouTube integration lets you say 'play', 'pause', 'next video', or 'full screen' for hands-free media control.

Dictation Capabilities

LipSurf's dictation works in any text field across Gmail, Google Docs, Slack, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and other websites. You activate dictation mode, speak naturally, and text appears in the active field. Multi-lingual support covers major languages, though the focus is English-first.

Compared to Voice In, which has 600,000+ users and deep website compatibility testing, LipSurf's dictation is capable but less polished for pure text input. Where LipSurf excels is the combination of dictation plus browser navigation — you can compose an email by voice, then say 'click send' without ever touching the mouse.

Accessibility: A Tool for Motor Disabilities

LipSurf isn't just a productivity tool — it's an accessibility lifeline. Users with conditions that make keyboard and mouse use painful or impossible can browse the web, write emails, fill forms, and interact with web applications entirely by voice. The extension's design decisions reflect this: commands are short and intuitive, error correction is voice-driven, and the overlay numbering system makes any clickable element reachable.

For organizations evaluating accessibility tools for employees, LipSurf is one of the few Chrome extensions purpose-built for this use case. It pairs well with system-level accessibility tools like Windows Voice Access or macOS Voice Control to cover both browser and desktop needs.

Open-Source Plugin System

LipSurf supports custom plugins — open-source extensions that add new voice commands and site-specific behaviors. Developers can create plugins for specific web applications, adding voice shortcuts tailored to their team's workflows. The plugin system uses JavaScript and follows documented APIs.

This extensibility sets LipSurf apart from closed-source competitors. A medical practice could build custom commands for their EHR web app. A customer support team could create shortcuts for their ticketing system. The community maintains several plugins, though the ecosystem is small compared to mainstream browser extensions.

Privacy and Data Handling

LipSurf explicitly states no tracking and no ads. The extension doesn't collect usage data or serve advertisements. Speech recognition is processed through Chrome's built-in Web Speech API — the same pipeline used by Voice In and Speechnotes — which routes audio to Google's servers for processing.

For users who need fully local speech processing (for medical records, legal documents, or classified material), this cloud dependency is a limitation. The voice commands themselves are processed locally in the browser, but the speech-to-text conversion requires an internet connection and goes through Google.

Pricing

LipSurf does not prominently display pricing on its website. The extension appears to offer free basic functionality with potential premium tiers for advanced features. Check the Chrome Web Store listing or the official site for current pricing details, as the model may have changed since this review.

LipSurf vs Voice In

Voice In is the superior pure dictation tool — wider site compatibility, custom text snippets, 600,000+ users testing edge cases. LipSurf is the superior hands-free browsing tool — voice navigation, clicking, scrolling, and form filling that Voice In doesn't offer. If you only need to type by voice, Voice In wins. If you need to operate Chrome entirely without a keyboard or mouse, LipSurf is the clear choice.

LipSurf vs Speech Recognition Anywhere

Speech Recognition Anywhere offers deep voice command customization with macros and text expansion. LipSurf offers broader browser control (clicking, scrolling, navigation) but fewer macro features. For power users who want to automate repetitive text workflows, Speech Recognition Anywhere may fit better. For hands-free browser control and accessibility, LipSurf is more comprehensive.

Limitations

LipSurf is Chrome-only — no Firefox, Safari, or standalone desktop app. The plugin ecosystem is small, so most customization requires building your own plugins. Speech recognition accuracy depends on Chrome's Web Speech API, which means no offline mode and no custom model training. The numbered overlay system for clicking works well but can be visually cluttered on element-dense pages. And the smaller user base compared to Voice In means fewer community resources and bug reports driving improvements.

Verdict

LipSurf is the best Chrome extension for users who need hands-free browser control beyond just dictation. Its voice navigation, clicking, scrolling, and form-filling commands make it a genuine accessibility tool for people with motor disabilities or RSI. The open-source plugin system adds customization that competitors lack. Best for accessibility-focused users and anyone who wants to operate Chrome entirely by voice. Skip if you only need text dictation — Voice In does that job with more polish and wider compatibility.