MacWhisper is a well-liked macOS transcription app built on Whisper. If you want another option that is free to start, focuses on live dictation into any app, and also runs on Windows, StarWhisper is worth a look.
Both apps use OpenAI’s Whisper model and run it locally on your Mac, so audio stays on your device either way. Where StarWhisper leans is real-time dictation into other apps and being free to start, with a single Pro upgrade for unlimited use.
MacWhisper is a strong choice, especially for file-based transcription workflows. StarWhisper is aimed at hands-on-keyboard dictation where you speak and text appears in whatever you are writing. Try both and keep the one that fits your workflow.
Download the DMG, drag StarWhisper to Applications, and grant Microphone and Accessibility. You will be dictating within a couple of minutes.
Yes, it is free to start. You can dictate every day at no cost, and a Pro upgrade unlocks unlimited use.
Yes. Both run the Whisper model on your Mac. StarWhisper uses Metal acceleration on Apple Silicon and does not upload your audio.
It focuses on real-time dictation into any app you are using, and it is free to start. It also has a Windows version.
Yes. StarWhisper is available for both macOS (Apple Silicon) and Windows, so your setup carries across machines.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1 to M4) on macOS 12 or later. Intel Macs are not supported yet.
Download StarWhisper for Mac and see if it fits your dictation workflow.
Download for MacFree to start. Works on macOS 12 or later, Apple Silicon only.