Tired of typing? AI-powered voice-to-text apps promise to boost your productivity by letting you dictate instead. On the Mac, two notable contenders using the powerful Whisper AI model are Superwhisper and VoiceInk. Both aim to replace your keyboard with your voice, offering high accuracy and speed. Let's see how they stack up.

Quick Overview

• Superwhisper: A native Mac (and iOS) app leveraging OpenAI's Whisper model for fast, accurate, and private on-device (optional) dictation that works system-wide. Offers both cloud and local processing options.
• VoiceInk: An open-source, native Mac app using local whisper.cpp for fast, accurate, and private 100% offline dictation. Focuses on privacy, efficiency, and contextual features.

Feature Comparison

Detailed App Analysis

Superwhisper

Superwhisper brings the power of OpenAI's Whisper model directly to your Mac desktop in a native application, offering flexibility between local and cloud processing.

Pros:

• High accuracy powered by Whisper models.
• Works system-wide in any application where you can type.
• Offers both on-device processing (for privacy/offline) and cloud models (potentially larger/more accurate).
• Supports 100+ languages and can translate them to English.
• Custom vocabulary allows adding specific names, acronyms, and phrases.
• Includes meeting recording and transcription features (even in the free tier).
• Pro version allows transcribing audio/video files and using your own API keys.
• Available as a one-time lifetime purchase option.
• Has an accompanying iOS app.
• Automatic updates for all users.

Cons:

• Not open source.
• Requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later.
• Best offline performance requires Apple Silicon Macs.
• Full potential (larger models, translation, file transcription) requires Pro subscription or lifetime license.

Best For:

Users seeking highly accurate, system-wide dictation with the flexibility of cloud or local processing, needing translation, audio file transcription, meeting recording features, or an iOS companion.

VoiceInk

VoiceInk is an open-source native macOS application focused on providing a fast, private, and efficient dictation experience using local whisper.cpp.

Pros:

• Open Source (GPL v3.0), allowing inspection and self-building.
• 100% offline processing ensures data never leaves your device, maximizing privacy.
• High accuracy using local Whisper models (whisper.cpp).
• Works system-wide in any application via customizable global shortcuts.
• "Power Mode" allows custom settings per app/URL.
• "Context Aware" feature adapts transcription based on screen content.
• "Personal Dictionary" for custom words and replacements.
• Includes an "AI Assistant" mode for quick conversational AI interaction.
• Free to build from source.
• Paid license offers convenience (pre-built binary), automatic updates, and priority support.

Cons:

• Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later.
• Lacks translation and audio file transcription features.
• No meeting recording functionality.
• No iOS app.
• Automatic updates require a paid license (otherwise manual build needed).

Best For:

Privacy-conscious users seeking a fast, accurate, 100% offline, and open-source dictation solution with smart contextual features and customization per application, who are comfortable building from source or purchasing a license for convenience.

Pricing Breakdown

Superwhisper

• Free Tier: Includes system-wide dictation with small models, meeting recording/transcription. Automatic updates included.
• Pro: Monthly/Annual Subscription or Lifetime Purchase. Adds cloud/larger local models, translation, audio file transcription, custom API key support, priority support. Automatic updates included.
• Available directly from the developer's website.

VoiceInk

• Open Source: Free to download the source code from GitHub and build yourself (requires manual updates).
• Paid License: Purchase from their website for a pre-built binary, automatic updates via Sparkle, priority support, and to fund development. Offers a free trial.

How to Choose

• Choose Superwhisper if you:

  • Want the flexibility of both cloud and local processing.
  • Need translation, audio file transcription, or meeting recording.
  • Value having an iOS companion app.
  • Prefer options like a lifetime license for the Pro features.
  • Want automatic updates included even in the free tier.
  • Are running macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer.

• Go with VoiceInk if you:

  • Prioritize 100% offline processing and privacy above all else.
  • Value open-source software.
  • Want intelligent features like app-specific settings and screen context awareness.
  • Are comfortable building from source (free) or purchasing a license for the convenience build with auto-updates.
  • Are running macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer.

Final Verdict

Both Superwhisper and VoiceInk offer compelling, high-accuracy dictation solutions for macOS powered by Whisper. The choice largely depends on your priorities:

• Superwhisper provides more feature flexibility (cloud/local, translation, file transcription, recording, iOS app) and broader OS compatibility (macOS 13+).
• VoiceInk stands out for its commitment to 100% offline privacy, open-source nature, and smart contextual features, but requires a newer OS (macOS 14+) and a paid license for automatic updates.

If maximum privacy and offline operation are paramount, or if you support open-source, VoiceInk is an excellent choice (especially if you buy the license for convenience). If you need the extra features like translation, file transcription, an iOS app, or cloud model flexibility, Superwhisper is the more versatile option.

P.S. Want to get these apps at the best price? Subscribe to the apps.deals newsletter to stay updated on deals and discounts for Mac apps!

Note: Features and pricing mentioned are current as of April 2025 and may be subject to change. Always verify current offerings on the official websites. Lastly, the post may contain affiliate links that will give us a small commission without any extra cost to you.