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superwhisper vs MacWhisper

The names are similar and both run OpenAI's Whisper model on your Mac, so people mix them up. They're built for different jobs. superwhisper is for talking into any app, with AI to shape the result. MacWhisper is for turning recordings and meetings into transcripts. Here's how to choose.

By the SpeechBee team, who make a different dictation app. Prices checked on 12 October 2026

  • superwhisper
  • MacWhisper
  • SpeechBee
On this page
  1. Side by side
  2. superwhisper: dictation first
  3. MacWhisper: recordings first
  4. Price
  5. Neither, if you want simple dictation and Read Aloud
  6. Questions
  7. Keep comparing
  8. Sources

Side by side

superwhisperMacWhisper
Built forLive dictation in any appTranscribing recordings and meetings
Free tierDictation with unlimited local Whisper models, meeting recordingFree version
PaidPro $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr, or $249.99 oncePro €64 once
AI rewritingModes with GPT, Claude and other models on ProNot its focus
File transcriptionOn ProYes, its main job
MeetingsRecording and notesRecords calls without a bot, labels speakers
ExportText into your appSubtitles and documents
PlatformsMac, Windows, iPhone, AndroidMac, iPhone, iPad

superwhisper: dictation first

Press a shortcut, talk, and the text lands where you're typing. On Pro, modes pass your speech through an AI model to turn it into a formal email or a casual message, set per app, and Super Mode adapts to what's on screen. It also records meetings and, on Pro, transcribes files. One license covers as many of your devices as you like. See superwhisper pricing.

MacWhisper: recordings first

Drag in an audio or video file, or record a call without a bot joining, and MacWhisper transcribes it locally, labels speakers and exports subtitles or documents. It includes system-wide dictation too, but its strength is files. The free version covers the basics and Pro is €64 once. It's now on iPhone and iPad as well.

Price

MacWhisper Pro, at €64 once, is the cheaper way to own one of these outright. superwhisper Pro is $84.99 a year or $249.99 for life, and its free tier already includes unlimited local Whisper dictation.

Neither, if you want simple dictation and Read Aloud

SpeechBee, which we make, is narrower than both. Hold a key, talk, and your words land at the cursor with filler words removed and names fixed from your dictionary. Speech runs on your device. It also reads selected text aloud with natural local voices, which neither app does, and one plan covers Mac, iPhone and iPad: $79 a year or $99 once. It doesn't transcribe files or meetings, and has no AI modes.

Simple dictation plus Read Aloud. Free for 7 days.

Voice to text and Read Aloud on your Mac, iPhone and iPad. After the week, $9 a month, $79 a year, or $99 once. Every plan has every feature.

Download for MacGet it for iPhone & iPad

Questions

Are superwhisper and MacWhisper the same app?

No. They're made by different developers. Both run Whisper models on your Mac, but superwhisper is built for live dictation and MacWhisper for transcribing recordings.

Which is better for dictation?

superwhisper. Dictation is its main job, with modes, shortcuts and per-app settings. MacWhisper includes dictation, but its strength is files and meetings.

Which is better for transcribing recordings?

MacWhisper. It's built for files, speaker labels and exports. superwhisper transcribes files on Pro.

Which is cheaper?

MacWhisper Pro is €64 once. superwhisper Pro is $84.99 a year or $249.99 once. Both have free tiers.

Keep comparing

Sources

All checked on 12 October 2026.