Yes, there is a free version that provides access to smaller AI models like 'Tiny,' 'Base,' and 'Small,' allowing users to test core functionality. The Pro version, which unlocks advanced features and higher-accuracy models, is a one-time purchase.

Does MacWhisper work offline?

Absolutely, a key feature of MacWhisper is its complete offline functionality. All audio processing and transcription occur locally on your device, ensuring privacy and eliminating the need for an internet connection.

Can MacWhisper be used for dictation?

Yes, MacWhisper can replace Apple's built-in dictation service, offering system-wide, Whisper-powered transcription. This provides superior accuracy for voice-to-text input across any Mac application.

What file formats does it support?

MacWhisper supports common audio formats like MP3, WAV, and M4A. It also handles popular video file formats such as MP4 and MOV, allowing you to transcribe audio directly from video files.

Does it support multiple languages?

Yes, MacWhisper offers robust multi-language support, capable of accurate transcription in over 100 different languages. This makes it a versatile tool for international users and diverse content.

Are there any recurring fees?

For the Pro version on Mac, it's a one-time purchase with a lifetime license, meaning there are no subscription fees for the core transcription engine. The iOS version may have optional in-app purchases for cloud features, but local models are often free.

What are the system requirements for MacWhisper?

MacWhisper requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher. For optimal performance with 'Medium' or 'Large' models, more than 8GB of RAM is recommended, and Apple Silicon Macs offer significantly faster transcription speeds.

Can MacWhisper transcribe meetings?

Yes, MacWhisper can automatically record and transcribe meetings from various platforms including Zoom, Teams, Webex, Skype, and Discord, providing a convenient way to get detailed meeting notes.

How does MacWhisper ensure privacy?

MacWhisper ensures privacy by performing all transcription locally on your device. No audio data is uploaded to cloud servers or leaves your machine, guaranteeing that your sensitive information remains private.

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MacWhisper

Name: MacWhisper
Availability: InStock

Speech recognition and transcription tool

System UtilitiesFree

MacWhisper screenshot — MacWhisper — Official Website

Quick Take: MacWhisper

4.7

MacWhisper stands out as an exceptional macOS application for private, high-quality, on-device speech-to-text transcription. Its blend of advanced AI models, user-friendly design, and robust features like speaker identification and system-wide dictation make it incredibly powerful. While optimal performance favors newer Apple Silicon Macs and ample RAM, its commitment to privacy and a one-time purchase model for Pro make it a top recommendation for anyone needing reliable local transcription.

Best For

•Users prioritizing data privacy and offline functionality
•Professionals needing accurate meeting transcriptions and summaries
•Content creators requiring subtitles or text versions of media
•Individuals seeking a superior system-wide dictation tool

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask macwhisper

What is MacWhisper?

MacWhisper is a macOS application for private, on-device speech-to-text transcription. It leverages OpenAI's Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet AI models to convert audio and video recordings into text without an internet connection, ensuring complete data privacy. Designed with a user-friendly interface, it makes advanced AI transcription accessible to all Mac users, eliminating the need for complex command-line operations.

Deep Dive: MacWhisper's Evolution and Technology

MacWhisper has rapidly evolved into a leading macOS transcription solution, driven by continuous innovation and a commitment to user privacy. Its journey reflects significant advancements in AI and a dedicated development strategy.

History & Background

MacWhisper's development saw key milestones, including Version 11 (Dec 2024) introducing a redesigned transcript view and enhanced system-wide dictation with AI. Version 12 (March 2025) brought the highly anticipated on-device automatic speaker recognition. The iOS version launched in April 2025, extending its powerful transcription capabilities to mobile devices. Ongoing improvements, such as performance enhancements in Version 13.2 (Nov 2025) and future plans for broader iOS device support, demonstrate its dynamic growth.

How It Works

At its core, MacWhisper leverages OpenAI's Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet AI models, chosen for their superior accuracy and efficiency. The application is architected for 100% on-device processing, meaning all audio data remains local to the user's Mac, ensuring unparalleled privacy. This local processing capability is optimized for Apple Silicon Macs, which can perform transcriptions at speeds up to 15 times faster than real-time, showcasing a highly optimized native macOS application design.

Ecosystem & Integrations

MacWhisper thrives within a vibrant ecosystem, largely fostered by its developer, Jordi Bruin, and strong community engagement on platforms like Product Hunt and Reddit. The app's integration with Hugging Face Inference Providers for AI prompts and summarization allows for extensive customization and leverages a broader AI service landscape. Its cross-platform availability on macOS, iPhone, and iPad further extends its reach, creating a seamless transcription workflow across Apple devices.

Future Development

The future roadmap for MacWhisper includes continued performance enhancements and expanded compatibility. Key upcoming features mentioned include lowering the iPhone requirement for local models to iPhone 13 in future updates, making high-quality on-device transcription accessible to a wider range of iOS users. Additionally, the developer is actively working on integrating Shortcuts for iOS, which will enable more automated and personalized transcription workflows.

Key Features

Offline Transcription

All transcription processes occur locally on your Mac, ensuring that no audio data ever leaves your device or is uploaded to external cloud servers. This guarantees maximum privacy and security for sensitive recordings.

Multiple AI Models

The application integrates a range of OpenAI Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet AI models, from the efficient 'Tiny' (English-only) to the highly accurate 'Large-V3 Turbo.' Users can select models based on their needs, balancing transcription speed with desired accuracy levels.

System-Wide Dictation

MacWhisper can seamlessly replace Apple's native dictation service with its superior Whisper-powered models. This feature enables more accurate and reliable voice-to-text input across virtually any application running on your macOS device.

Drag-and-Drop Functionality

Transcribing audio or video files is made effortless through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Users simply drag their media files into the application window to initiate the transcription process quickly and efficiently.

Meeting Recording Integration

The app offers robust functionality to automatically record and transcribe live meetings from popular platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, Skype, and Discord. This is particularly useful for professionals needing detailed meeting notes.

Batch Transcription

Available in the Pro version, this feature allows users to process multiple audio and video files simultaneously. It significantly boosts productivity for individuals or organizations dealing with large volumes of recordings.

Speaker Identification

MacWhisper automatically identifies and labels different speakers within a recording, grouping transcribed text by individual. This greatly enhances the clarity and navigability of multi-person conversations, making review much easier.

Multi-Language Support

The application boasts comprehensive support for accurate transcription across more than 100 different languages. This broad linguistic capability makes it a versatile tool for a global user base and diverse content.

Who Should Use MacWhisper?

1Journalist/Researcher

A journalist records an interview and needs a fast, private, and accurate transcript for their article. MacWhisper allows them to transcribe the audio offline, ensuring sensitive information remains secure, and then export it to a Word document for easy editing and analysis.

2Student/Educator

A student wants to transcribe lecture recordings or group discussions for study notes. They can drag-and-drop their audio files into MacWhisper, utilize speaker identification for group projects, and then summarize key points using AI prompts to enhance their learning.

3Business Professional

A professional frequently attends virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom or Teams. MacWhisper automatically records and transcribes these sessions, providing detailed meeting minutes. They can then use AI summarization to quickly grasp action items and share concise summaries with colleagues.

4Content Creator/Podcaster

A podcaster or video editor needs accurate subtitles or a text version of their content for accessibility and SEO. MacWhisper allows them to transcribe their audio/video, export in .srt or .vtt formats, and even use AI prompts to clean up dialogue for cleaner captions.

5Accessibility User

An individual with hearing impairments requires a reliable dictation tool across their Mac applications. MacWhisper replaces Apple's native dictation with more accurate Whisper models, providing superior real-time voice-to-text input for writing emails, documents, or navigating interfaces.

How to Install MacWhisper

Installing MacWhisper is straightforward, typically involving a standard macOS application installation process. It ensures you can quickly get started with local, private transcription.

Download the Application

Visit the official MacWhisper website or the Mac App Store to download the latest version of the application package. Ensure your macOS version meets the minimum requirement of 10.15 (Catalina) or higher.

Install MacWhisper

For downloads from the website, open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the MacWhisper application icon into your Applications folder. If installing from the App Store, the process is handled automatically.

Launch and Initial Setup

Open MacWhisper from your Applications folder or Launchpad. On first launch, the app may guide you through downloading initial AI models (e.g., Tiny or Base) and configuring permissions, such as microphone access for dictation.

Upgrade to Pro (Optional)

If you wish to access advanced features like larger AI models, batch transcription, and system audio recording, purchase and activate the Pro version within the application by entering your lifetime license key.

Pro Tips

• For optimal performance, especially with 'Medium' or 'Large' AI models, ensure your Mac has more than 8GB of RAM.
• Consider using an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4) for significantly faster transcription speeds (up to 15x real-time).
• Allocate sufficient storage space, as larger AI models can require several gigabytes of disk space for local storage.
• Keep your macOS updated to Sonoma, Sequoia, or Tahoe (14.0+) for the best compatibility and performance.

Configuration Tips

Optimize AI Model Selection

Choose your AI model wisely based on your Mac's specifications and transcription needs. 'Tiny' or 'Base' models are faster and require less RAM, ideal for quick transcriptions or older Macs. For maximum accuracy and if your Mac has 16GB+ RAM and Apple Silicon, opt for 'Large-V3' or 'Large-V3 Turbo'.

Ensure Sufficient RAM and Storage

To effectively run 'Medium' or 'Large' AI models, ensure your Mac has at least 16GB of RAM. Additionally, these models require several gigabytes of local storage. Regularly check your available disk space, especially if you download multiple high-accuracy models.

Leverage Apple Silicon Performance

If you own an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, M4), prioritize its usage for MacWhisper. These chips offer a dramatic performance boost, transcribing at roughly 15x real-time speed. Intel Macs will work, but transcription times will be considerably longer, impacting productivity.

Customize AI Prompts for Post-Processing

Utilize the integrated AI prompts feature to refine your transcripts. Configure services like Hugging Face Inference Providers to clean up dictation, summarize content, or translate transcripts. This post-processing step can significantly improve the usability and utility of your raw transcriptions.

Alternatives to MacWhisper

While MacWhisper offers a compelling solution for private, offline transcription, several alternatives cater to varying needs and preferences. Here's a brief comparison:

Superwhisper

Superwhisper focuses on accurate voice-to-text for both Mac and iPhone, also featuring offline processing and AI commands. It closely competes with MacWhisper in terms of core functionality and privacy emphasis, often appealing to users looking for a similar ecosystem.

Wispr Flow

Wispr Flow specializes in real-time AI-powered dictation across applications, prioritizing speed and smart formatting. While MacWhisper offers system-wide dictation, Wispr Flow's dedicated focus on real-time input makes it a strong contender for users whose primary need is live voice-to-text with advanced formatting.

Aiko

Aiko provides secure, efficient, offline, local transcription specifically for meetings, lectures, and voice memos, including automatic multi-language detection. Its strength lies in dedicated meeting transcription features and strong privacy, similar to MacWhisper's meeting integration but with a potentially different UI approach.

Just Press Record

Just Press Record is a simple, one-tap recording and transcription app for Apple devices, known for instant, on-device conversion and offline functionality. It offers a more streamlined and minimalist approach compared to MacWhisper, appealing to users who prioritize extreme ease of use for quick recordings and transcriptions.

Pricing

Freemium with Lifetime License for Pro

MacWhisper offers a flexible pricing structure. A Free Version provides access to 'Tiny,' 'Base,' and 'Small' AI models for casual use. The Pro Version is available as a one-time lifetime purchase for €64 (or $69 USD), unlocking higher accuracy models (Medium, Large-V2, Large-V3, Large-V3 Turbo), batch transcription, system audio recording, and unlimited use. Volume licenses are also available with discounts for multiple Pro licenses. The iOS app has free basic models and optional in-app purchases, with high-quality Whisper models free on newer devices like iPhone 15.

Pros

✓Ensures complete data privacy with 100% on-device, offline transcription.
✓Offers superior transcription accuracy compared to many built-in dictation services.
✓Supports a wide array of AI models, allowing users to balance speed and precision.
✓Features intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and a user-friendly interface.
✓Provides robust multi-language support for over 100 languages.
✓Includes advanced features like automatic speaker identification and batch transcription (Pro).
✓Offers a one-time lifetime purchase for the Pro version on Mac, avoiding recurring subscriptions.

Cons

✗Higher accuracy models (Medium, Large) require more than 8GB RAM, potentially limiting older Macs.
✗Performance is significantly better on Apple Silicon Macs; Intel Macs may experience slower processing.
✗Larger AI models consume several gigabytes of storage space, which can be a concern for Macs with limited storage.
✗The App Store version may have feature limitations (e.g., dictation, meeting recordings) compared to the website version due to Apple's restrictions.
✗The iOS version requires an iPhone 15 or newer for local high-quality models, limiting accessibility for older devices currently.

Community & Ecosystem

MacWhisper has fostered a vibrant community, largely driven by its active developer, Jordi Bruin, and strong presence on platforms like Product Hunt and Reddit. Users frequently engage in discussions, offer feedback, and seek troubleshooting advice, contributing to the app's continuous improvement. The application is often highlighted in Mac-focused tech blogs, praised for its privacy-first approach and ongoing development. The developer also integrates with platforms like Hugging Face, allowing community-driven custom model configurations and advanced AI service utilization.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with MacWhisper

Dave Swift7.4K views

MacWhisper - The best macOS app using OpenAI Whisper

Felipe Baez • 49.0K views

MacWhisper Dictation Tutorial (2026) | Never Manually Write an Email Again!

The Stuff • 3.2K views

Top 5 MAC FILE ORGANIZATION Hacks to Revolutionize Your Workflow

The MacWhisperer • 29.7K views

Frequently Asked Questions about MacWhisper

MacWhisper is a Mac-native transcription tool that uses OpenAI's Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet models to transcribe audio and video files directly on your machine. It offers fast, private, and cost-effective transcription without needing an internet connection.

Our Verdict

4.7/5

Best for:Users prioritizing data privacy and offline functionalityProfessionals needing accurate meeting transcriptions and summariesContent creators requiring subtitles or text versions of mediaIndividuals seeking a superior system-wide dictation tool

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

MacWhisperOpenAI WhisperNvidia ParakeetmacOSApple SiliconJordi BruinHugging Face

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

Key Verified Facts

MacWhisper is a macOS application for private, on-device speech-to-text transcription using OpenAI's Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet technologies.[fact_macwhisper_overview]
All transcription processing occurs locally on your device, ensuring data privacy and no internet connection is required.[fact_offline_privacy]
The app incorporates various OpenAI Whisper and Nvidia Parakeet AI models, from 'Tiny' to 'Large-V3 Turbo'.[fact_ai_models]
MacWhisper can replace Apple's built-in dictation with Whisper's more accurate models system-wide.[fact_system_dictation]
The Pro version supports batch transcription for multiple audio files simultaneously.[fact_batch_pro]

1
MacWhisper Official Website - About
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
2
MacWhisper Features - Privacy & Offline Mode
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
3
MacWhisper - AI Models Explained
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Pro - System Dictation
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Pro - Batch Processing
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Updates - Version 12 Release Notes
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper - Language Support
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper - Export Formats
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Pricing - Free vs Pro
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Pro Lifetime License
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper for Teams - Volume Licenses
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper System Requirements
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Performance Guide
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper on Apple Silicon
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Blog - Speaker Recognition in v12
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper iOS App Launch Announcement
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
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MacWhisper Roadmap - iOS Device Support
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
18
Jordi Bruin's Profile on Product Hunt
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: MacWhisper features; MacWhisper pricing; MacWhisper system requirements; MacWhisper alternatives; MacWhisper privacy; MacWhisper offline transcription; MacWhisper speaker identification; MacWhisper AI models; MacWhisper iOS app; Jordi Bruin MacWhisper

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