Head-to-head
Superwhisper vs MacWhisper
Live dictation vs file transcription, both local on Mac
Last updated: · Pricing verified from official sources
TL;DR
The verdict
Superwhisper and MacWhisper are complements, not rivals. Superwhisper is for live, system-wide dictation as you work and is a subscription ($8.49/mo or $249.99 lifetime). MacWhisper is for batch transcription of recorded files with diarisation and subtitle export, sold once for €59. Pick Superwhisper to dictate, MacWhisper to transcribe recordings.
Superwhisper and MacWhisper both run OpenAI Whisper locally on your Mac, but they're built for different jobs. Superwhisper is a live dictation app — hold a hotkey and speak into any app. MacWhisper is a file-transcription powerhouse — drop in audio or video and get text, subtitles, and speaker labels out.
The split
Where each one wins
Superwhisper wins on
- Real-time, system-wide live dictation into any app
- Custom modes that auto-activate per application
- Widest local model selection, including Parakeet
- iOS keyboard extension and Windows client
MacWhisper wins on
- Purpose-built batch file transcription with diarisation
- Subtitle / SRT export and YouTube URL import
- Live caption streaming with translation
- One-time €59 purchase, no subscription
Feature matrix
Superwhisper vs MacWhisper vs JustVoice
| Feature | Superwhisper | MacWhisper | JustVoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Whisper processing | |||
| Real-time live dictation | |||
| File / batch transcription | |||
| Speaker diarisation | |||
| Subtitle / SRT export | |||
| Code dictation / IDE detection | |||
| Free tierJustVoice is a $35 one-time lifetime licence | |||
| Pricing modelSubscription / lifetime vs €59 one-time vs $35 one-time |
The third option
Where JustVoice fits
JustVoice is the third option that covers both jobs in one app: live system-wide dictation like Superwhisper, plus file transcription that overlaps with MacWhisper, all running locally on your Mac's GPU. It adds code dictation with IDE detection, and like MacWhisper it's a one-time purchase — $35 for a lifetime licence, with no cloud path at all so your voice never leaves your Mac. For heavy diarisation and subtitle work, MacWhisper is still the specialist.
FAQ
Common questions
- Use Superwhisper if you want to dictate live into apps as you work. Use MacWhisper if you want to transcribe recorded audio or video files with speaker labels and subtitles. They do different jobs, and many people own both. JustVoice covers both jobs in a single app for a $35 one-time licence.
- Yes. Both Superwhisper and MacWhisper run OpenAI Whisper on-device, so your audio stays on your Mac. JustVoice does too. Cloud apps like Wispr Flow and Otter.ai process audio on their servers instead.
- Yes — JustVoice does live system-wide dictation and file transcription locally on your Mac, with code mode, for a $35 one-time lifetime licence. MacWhisper remains the stronger choice if your main need is diarisation and subtitle export.
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Skip the debate. Try the local one.
JustVoice runs Whisper locally on your Mac. $35 once for a lifetime license — no subscription, no cloud.