superwhisper vs TypeWhisper: the two compared on their own makers' numbers
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
superwhisper and TypeWhisper both offer local dictation with optional cloud models. superwhisper is a commercial app with a free tier. TypeWhisper is open source, with a free core and paid Premium features.
I built YapToText, a free dictation app for the Mac, so read this knowing I make a rival to both. Each fact comes from the maker's own pages, on the dates under the table.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Side by side
superwhisper checked October 5, 2026, on superwhisper.com. TypeWhisper checked October 6, 2026, on its GitHub repository and typewhisper.com. YapToText from its own settings. Prices change, so confirm on each maker's site.
| superwhisper | TypeWhisper | YapToText | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for | Dictation with AI modes | A dictation toolbox with many speech engines | Dictation, with files as plain text |
| Free | Unlimited local Whisper dictation, vocabulary, replacements, two modes without AI | The core app. Premium features need a commercial license | Everything |
| Paid | Pro $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year, or $249.99 once | Premium from 5 euros a month | No paid tier |
| Where speech is processed | On the Mac with local models, or cloud models with Pro | On your computer with WhisperKit, Parakeet or Apple's engine, or optional cloud APIs | On the Mac |
| Without internet | Yes, with local models | Yes, with local engines | Yes |
| Cleanup | AI modes and Super Mode, with Pro | Workflows, through Apple Intelligence, a cloud provider or a local model you add | Built in, on the Mac |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android | macOS 14 or later with Intel supported, Windows and iOS, plus an Android beta | Apple silicon Macs, macOS 14 or later |
| Open source license | Not stated | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
Pick by what you need
- Open source. TypeWhisper.
- AI modes without assembling them. superwhisper Pro.
- One license across Mac, Windows and phone. superwhisper Pro.
- Local models on an Intel Mac. TypeWhisper lists Intel support. superwhisper points Intel Macs to its cloud models.
- A lifetime license. superwhisper.
For more on each: superwhisper and TypeWhisper.
The free third option
YapToText does dictation with cleanup and dictionaries on the Mac, free, with no account, and gives plain text from audio and video files. It runs on Apple silicon Macs with macOS 14 or later and nowhere else. If you need Windows, a phone, subtitles or speaker labels, one of the two above fits better. The superwhisper alternative page and the TypeWhisper one compare each with YapToText directly.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
The short version
- superwhisper. Dictation with AI modes. Pro $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year, or $249.99 once.
- TypeWhisper. A dictation toolbox with many speech engines. Premium from 5 euros a month.
- YapToText. Free dictation with cleanup on one Apple silicon Mac.
If a price or feature here has changed, open an issue on GitHub and I will update this page. Every one gets read.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Related
Sources
- https://superwhisper.com (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/billing/plans (checked 2026-10-05)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/transcribe-files (checked 2026-10-05)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/models/voice (checked 2026-10-06)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/models/language (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/built-in (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/modes (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/privacy (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/download (checked 2026-10-03)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/common-issues/app-wont-launch (checked 2026-10-06)
- https://github.com/TypeWhisper/typewhisper-mac (checked 2026-10-06)
- https://www.typewhisper.com/en/pricing/ (checked 2026-10-06)
- https://github.com/ryleighnewman/YapToText (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yaptotext/id6786382289 (checked 2026-10-11)
Questions
What is the difference between superwhisper and TypeWhisper?
superwhisper: dictation with ai modes. TypeWhisper: a dictation toolbox with many speech engines.
Is superwhisper or TypeWhisper free?
superwhisper: Unlimited local Whisper dictation, vocabulary, replacements, two modes without AI. TypeWhisper: The core app. Premium features need a commercial license.
Do superwhisper and TypeWhisper work offline?
superwhisper: Yes, with local models. TypeWhisper: Yes, with local engines.
Is there a free app that runs on the Mac?
YapToText is free, with cleanup built in, on Apple silicon Macs.