JustVoice vs MacWhisper
JustVoice vs MacWhisper — live dictation, not just file transcription
MacWhisper is a great file-transcription tool. JustVoice is system-wide live dictation that types into any app, plus file transcription on top.
At a glance
- JustVoice
- Local Whisper on macOS. Free / $5/mo Plus / $9/mo Pro. 5,000 free words/mo. Code mode, app profiles, custom vocabulary.
- MacWhisper
- Whisper-powered audio file transcription for Mac. $24 / $59 / $79 one-time. macOS.
MacWhisper is built for transcribing audio files — drop in an MP3 or WAV, get text out. JustVoice is built for live dictation — hold a hotkey, speak, and text appears at your cursor anywhere on macOS. They're different jobs, and many users use both.
Why choose JustVoice over MacWhisper
- Real-time system-wide dictation into any app
- Push-to-talk hotkey — no need to record-then-transcribe
- Voice-activated snippets and custom vocabulary
- Free tier with 5,000 words per month
- Code dictation with IDE detection (Pro)
- File transcription is bundled — covers the MacWhisper job too
Where MacWhisper still wins
We won't pretend JustVoice is better at everything. MacWhisper has real strengths:
- Specialised file-transcription UX with batch processing
- Speaker diarisation and segment editing
- One-time purchase model
Bottom line: JustVoice is the right tool for live dictation while you work. MacWhisper is the right tool for sit-down transcription jobs (interviews, podcasts, meetings). They're complements, not direct rivals — but if you only buy one, JustVoice covers more of the job-to-be-done.
Feature comparison: JustVoice vs MacWhisper
| Feature | JustVoice | MacWhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time system-wide dictation | ||
| File transcription (MP3/WAV/M4A) | ||
| Speaker diarisation | ||
| Free tier | ||
| Custom vocabulary | ||
| Snippets | ||
| Code dictation mode | ||
| Subscription modelJustVoice is monthly; MacWhisper one-time | ||
| AI cleanup (BYOK) |
The bottom line
For live, in-the-flow dictation choose JustVoice. For dedicated file transcription jobs MacWhisper is purpose-built. Both can co-exist.
Frequently asked questions
Is JustVoice really a good alternative to MacWhisper?
Yes. JustVoice covers the same core voice-to-text job — system-wide dictation on macOS — and adds GPU-accelerated local Whisper transcription, custom vocabulary, voice-activated snippets, and a free tier with 5,000 words per month. Most users switching from MacWhisper cite price, privacy, or features as the deciding factor.
Can I keep using both apps side by side?
Absolutely. JustVoice is a one-time download with a free tier — there's no risk in installing it alongside MacWhisper and trying both for a week. Most users settle on one, but they can coexist on the same Mac without conflict.
How long does it take to switch?
Five minutes. Download JustVoice from justvoice.ai/download, sign in (or use the free tier without an account beyond email), grant microphone and accessibility permissions, set a hotkey, and you're dictating into any app immediately. Custom vocabulary and snippets carry no migration overhead — they're entered as you go.
Can JustVoice transcribe audio files like MacWhisper?
Yes. JustVoice supports file transcription (MP3, WAV, M4A, and more). MacWhisper has more advanced features for that workflow — speaker diarisation, segment editing — but for most users JustVoice covers the file-transcription job adequately.
Why pay monthly when MacWhisper is one-time?
Because the products do different things. JustVoice ships continuous improvements to live dictation, code mode, app profiles, and AI cleanup — and the free tier is genuinely free forever. If your only need is sit-down file transcription, MacWhisper's one-time price is hard to beat.
Compare JustVoice with other dictation apps
Ready to switch from MacWhisper?
Try JustVoice free with 5,000 words per month. No credit card required.