Licensing & Sponsors
Kalam is licensed under the Functional Source License (FSL). Free to use, read, modify, and contribute. The only restriction: don't build a competing dictation/voice product. Code auto-converts to Apache 2.0 after two years.
License tiers
The authoritative legal text lives in the LICENSE file in the repository. Below is a plain-language summary.
Individual & Internal Use
Anyone using Kalam for themselves or within their organization.
- FSL License (Functional Source License)
- Read, modify, and use the code
- Businesses can use Kalam internally — no permission needed
- Converts to Apache 2.0 after 2 years
Kalam Pro (subscription)
AI-powered features that make dictation smarter. BYOK.
- Polish, custom modes, command mode
- Context awareness & voice editing
- Multi-device sync
- Enhanced overlay & priority support
Enterprise / Competing Use
Building a competing dictation/voice product, or need custom terms.
- Separate written license required
- FSL prohibits competing use without license
- Priority email support
- Integration & deployment assistance
What does FSL restrict? Only one thing: building a competing dictation or voice product. Using Kalam internally at your company, in your workflow, for your team — that's all fine, no permission needed. FSL is more permissive than the old license for business users. Companies like Sentry, CockroachDB, and HashiCorp use FSL. If you're unsure, reach out — we're happy to clarify.
Kalam Pro — $2.99/mo
Kalam Pro unlocks AI-powered features: Polish, custom modes, context awareness, voice editing, auto-activation rules, enhanced overlay, multi-device sync, and priority support. You still bring your own API keys (BYOK) — Kalam never charges for compute. Billed through Stripe. Manage billing from the dashboard after sign-in.
Pro is a software subscription, separate from the FSL code license. Everyone pays the same $2.99/mo — no separate "commercial license" needed for Pro features.
View Pro pricingNeed a competing-use license?
Building a dictation or voice product? Reach out and we'll put together a license that works for you.
Sponsors
Kalam is built and maintained by a small team. Sponsorships help fund development, infrastructure, and community support. Sponsorship is voluntary and does not constitute a commercial license (see Terms §4).
Sponsor on GitHub