MacWhisper and Superwhisper both started as local Whisper apps for macOS, though Superwhisper now also ships for Windows, iOS, and Android; the day-to-day jobs still differ. MacWhisper is known for file transcription, while Superwhisper centers on live hotkey dictation. This guide also includes StarWhisper, our Windows and macOS alternative.
Choose by workflow first. The local processing story is similar.
These products overlap, but they are not interchangeable for every workflow. Start with the machine you use and the kind of audio you have.
MacWhisper is the better starting point when you have interviews, lectures, or other recordings to process in a Mac-first file workflow.
Superwhisper fits users who want a hotkey utility that turns speech into text in the application they are currently using.
StarWhisper is our product. It runs Whisper locally through whisper.cpp and sends dictated text to the active app through a global hotkey.
Vendor features and plan terms change. Use this table to frame your test, then confirm current details on the vendor pages.
| Feature | MacWhisper | Superwhisper | StarWhisper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon) |
| Offline capability | Local Whisper processing | Local Whisper processing | Local Whisper via whisper.cpp |
| Pricing model | Free version and one-time Pro options have been offered, check vendor | Free tier and paid subscription, check vendor | Free tier, then $10/month or $80/year Pro |
| Free tier | Free version listed, check current limits | Free tier listed, check current limits | 2,000/week |
| Languages | Whisper language support, check current vendor list | Whisper language support, check current vendor list | 99 languages |
| Hotkey and system-wide insertion | File-first workflow, app insertion varies by feature | Hotkey-based live dictation into Mac apps | Global hotkey types into the active app |
| Best starting workflow | Recorded audio and video files | Live speech while writing | Live dictation on Windows or macOS |
MacWhisper and Superwhisper share a local Whisper foundation, but the interface tells you what each team chose to optimize. A file-first tool is useful when the recording already exists and you need a transcript to edit, search, or export. A live dictation tool is useful when your thoughts are happening now and you want text in the current document.
Superwhisper's hotkey path is a natural fit for writing an email, note, or draft without opening a separate transcription window. MacWhisper's file path is a natural fit for an interview or lecture you recorded earlier. The distinction matters more than a generic feature checklist because it affects every session.
StarWhisper is our product and takes the live dictation route. Press a global hotkey, speak, and text goes to the focused field. It can be used on Windows and macOS, which is useful if your workday includes both machines. It is not presented as a reason for a Mac user to abandon a file workflow that MacWhisper handles well.
All three products are presented in the existing comparison material as local, offline-first Whisper applications. Local processing means the speech-to-text step happens on the computer rather than requiring a cloud transcription upload. You should still check each current privacy statement and the behavior of optional online features.
StarWhisper exposes the Whisper model family from tiny through large-v3. Smaller models can be useful when you need a lighter local workload, while larger models are available when your hardware can handle them. CUDA, Vulkan, and Metal acceleration are supported where the machine provides those paths.
StarWhisper's free tier includes 2,000 words per week. Pro is $10 per month or $80 per year. MacWhisper and Superwhisper have different free and paid structures, and the current amounts should be checked on their own pricing pages rather than copied from an old comparison.
Test the same microphone, passage, and target app in each tool. Measure the time from speaking to usable text, correction effort, and whether the app supports the files or fields you actually use. For Windows context, see StarWhisper vs Superwhisper and StarWhisper vs MacWhisper. The approved product facts cover StarWhisper's stated limits.
Both started as local Whisper apps for macOS, though Superwhisper now also ships on Windows, iOS, and Android. MacWhisper is associated with file transcription, while Superwhisper focuses on hotkey-driven live dictation. Confirm current feature lists with each vendor.
The comparison material describes both as local, offline-first Whisper applications. Confirm the exact behavior of the feature and model you plan to use.
Superwhisper is the more direct fit for hotkey-based live dictation. MacWhisper is a stronger fit when recorded file transcription is the main job.
StarWhisper is our product. It runs Whisper locally through whisper.cpp on Windows and Apple Silicon Macs, types into the active app, and includes 2,000 words per week free. Pro is $10 per month or $80 per year.
Try StarWhisper in the editor or browser where you already work. The free tier lets you check the fit before Pro.
Download StarWhisper