Superwhisper: The AI Dictation App That Listens and Learns

Tired of dictation apps that make you sound like you’re speaking in tongues? Superwhisper might just be the voice-to-text hero we’ve all been waiting for.

Superwhisper is a macOS application that takes voice-to-text dictation to a whole new level. Built on the whisper.cpp framework, it operates offline to transcribe your speech into text with impressive accuracy. Think of it as your personal scribe that doesn’t require an internet connection—or coffee breaks.

Unlike standard dictation tools that often misinterpret your words (looking at you, Siri), Superwhisper uses advanced AI models to understand not just what you’re saying, but the context behind it. Whether you’re dictating notes, drafting an email, or writing the next pitch, Superwhisper aims to capture your thoughts precisely as you intend.

Key Features That Make It Stand Out

One of Superwhisper’s standout features is its ability to work entirely offline. This means you can dictate your thoughts anywhere, anytime, without worrying about internet connectivity or your data being sent to the cloud. Your words stay on your device, offering both privacy and convenience.

Superwhisper incorporates advanced AI models—Nano, Fast, Pro, and Ultra—to deliver highly accurate transcriptions. The larger models offer near-perfect accuracy, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. It’s like having options from “quick note” mode to “I need this to be flawless” mode.

The app boasts a clean, minimalist design that integrates smoothly with macOS. Living quietly in your menu bar, it’s ready to spring into action whenever inspiration strikes. With customizable keyboard shortcuts, starting a dictation session is as easy as pressing ⌥+Space.

Supporting multiple languages and dialects, Superwhisper doesn’t just speak English. So whether you’re switching between English and Spanish mid-sentence or practicing your French, the app has you covered. Automatic language detection ensures smooth transitions for bilingual or multilingual users.

The Good, the Not-So-Bad, and the Whispered

Pros

Superwhisper shines in its high accuracy, especially with the larger AI models. The offline capability ensures your data remains private, and the ease of use means you can start dictating in no time. Its versatility across applications—from word processors to web browsers—makes it a valuable addition to any workflow. The attention to detail shows in both the frequent updates and thoughtful improvements – this is clearly someone's labor of love, not just another side project.

Cons

There are some trade-offs to consider. Larger AI models may take a bit longer to process your speech, so there’s always a balance between speed and accuracy. The initial setup can also be a bit tricky—configuring permissions and selecting the correct audio device, in particular, could use some improvement. Switching between the different recording modes in Superwhisper is especially cumbersome. While the free version is decent, accessing all the features requires a subscription, which might be a drawback for some users.

Another thing to keep in mind is that background noise and microphone quality can impact transcription accuracy, so investing in a good mic could be a smart move. And then there are those experimental features in Superwhisper. It’s easy to get your hopes up, only to realize they’re still in the “not quite ready” stage. But at least they’ve included a warning about that!

UI

Performance and User Experience

Superwhisper leverages the capabilities of Apple Silicon devices effectively, making transcriptions swift and accurate. Even on older Macs, it performs admirably. While the larger AI models take a bit longer to process, the trade-off is higher accuracy, which can save time on editing later. The language models are all the usual suspects (ChatGPT, Anthropic, and Groq) but I wish there was some transparency on the actual names of the voice models that are being loaded up on the device. 

Users have praised Superwhisper for its practicality and time-saving benefits. Many have integrated it into their daily routines, finding that it enhances productivity across various tasks such as prompting for tools like Cursor, jotting down takeaways from meetings throughout the day or dictating emails.

Pricing: What’s the Damage?

Superwhisper offers a few pricing options to cater to different user needs.

The free version is generous, allowing up to 15 minutes of recording using all pro features and access to smaller AI voice models (Nano, Fast, and Standard). It’s ideal for casual users or those wanting to test the app before committing.

The Pro subscription unlocks unlimited prompts and access to larger AI voice models (Pro and Ultra) for enhanced transcription accuracy. It starts at $8.49 per month or $84.99 per year when billed annually. This is suitable for professionals and power users who need high accuracy and unlimited use.

Alternatively, Superwhisper is available through Setapp, a subscription service that provides access to a suite of Mac applications. For $9.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, you not only get Superwhisper but also a collection of other useful apps. If you’re already considering multiple apps, the Setapp bundle might offer great value.

About the developer

Neil Chudleigh is the developer behind SuperWhisper, and he’s taken a pretty indie route by bootstrapping the whole project without any venture capital. Frustrated with the existing voice-to-text options out there, Neil decided to create SuperWhisper for macOS and iOS, focusing on privacy by using local AI models. If you want to keep up with him, you can follow him on Twitter at @neilsuperduper.

Is Superwhisper Worth Whispering About?

After spending time with Superwhisper, it’s evident that this app offers significant benefits for anyone looking to streamline their workflow on a Mac. Its accuracy, ease of use, and thoughtful features make it a strong contender in the dictation software arena.

While the free version provides a good introduction, unlocking the Pro features allows you to fully experience what Superwhisper has to offer. If you’re serious about enhancing your productivity and reducing the gap between your thoughts and the written word, Superwhisper is a worthwhile investment.

Have you tried Superwhisper or other dictation tools? Share your experiences with @todayonmac on X!