MacWhisper vs SuperWhisper: Detailed Comparison
Two Mac apps, both powered by OpenAI Whisper, both running locally on your device — but designed for different workflows. MacWhisper focuses on file transcription, SuperWhisper on real-time dictation. We compared them for Mac users choosing between the two.
Quick Verdict
SuperWhisper wins for real-time dictation with its polished system-wide integration. MacWhisper wins for file transcription with its one-time pricing and export options. Mac users who need both should consider having both tools.
Overall winner: SuperWhisper
| MacWhisper | WinnerSuperWhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Accuracy | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Speed | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Pricing | freemium | paid |
| Starting Price | $0 | $4.99/mo |
| Platforms |
|
|
| Offline Support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| AI Powered | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Local Processing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Core Difference
MacWhisper is primarily a transcription tool: drop in an audio/video file and get a transcript. SuperWhisper is primarily a dictation tool: speak into your Mac and get real-time text in any app. Both use OpenAI Whisper models, but their workflows are fundamentally different.
Transcription Accuracy
Both tools use the same Whisper models, so accuracy is comparable when using the same model size. With the large-v3 model, both achieve 94-96% accuracy on clear English audio. MacWhisper offers more post-processing options (export to SRT, speaker detection in Pro) while SuperWhisper focuses on real-time accuracy optimization.
Real-Time Dictation
SuperWhisper excels at real-time dictation. It works system-wide in any app with configurable hotkeys and app-specific rules. MacWhisper's Pro version added live transcription, but it's less polished than SuperWhisper's core experience. If real-time dictation is your primary need, SuperWhisper is the clear choice.
File Transcription
MacWhisper is built for file transcription. Drag and drop MP3, WAV, MP4, MOV files and get clean transcripts. Export to SRT for subtitles, CSV for data processing, or TXT for general use. SuperWhisper can transcribe files but it's not its primary strength. For journalists transcribing interviews or creators making subtitles, MacWhisper is better.
Pricing
MacWhisper Free is genuinely useful with the small model. MacWhisper Pro is a one-time $29 purchase. SuperWhisper costs $4.99-$9.99/month with no free tier. For budget-conscious users, MacWhisper's value proposition is hard to beat — $29 once vs $60-$120 per year.
Our Recommendation
Choose MacWhisper if: you mainly transcribe audio/video files, you want a one-time purchase, or you need SRT/subtitle export. Choose SuperWhisper if: you need real-time system-wide dictation, privacy is critical for your work, or you want the most polished Whisper-based dictation experience on Mac.
MacWhisper — Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Free tier is genuinely useful
- ✓ Simple, clean interface
- ✓ Offline — full privacy
- ✓ Transcribe audio files
- ✓ One-time Pro purchase
Cons
- ✗ Mac only
- ✗ No system-wide dictation in free tier
- ✗ Slower than cloud tools
- ✗ Limited automation features
SuperWhisper — Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Full offline processing — 100% private
- ✓ One-time purchase option
- ✓ Multiple Whisper model sizes
- ✓ System-wide dictation
- ✓ Great for sensitive content
Cons
- ✗ Mac only
- ✗ Slower than cloud alternatives
- ✗ Requires downloading AI models
- ✗ No iOS/Android sync
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