Superwhisper is one of the most capable dictation apps around. It lets you choose between local and cloud models, including larger, more accurate ones, and it has modes that can format or rewrite what you say. It runs on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, and its free tier already includes unlimited dictation with local models. Chirp does less, on purpose: one small English model that only ever runs on your computer, one shortcut, and no settings to tune.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chirp | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 28 free transcriptions, then $9.99/year for unlimited use on up to 5 devices | Free tier with local models; Pro $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime |
| Platforms | macOS 13+, Windows 10/11 | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android |
| Where transcription runs | Only on your device (no cloud option) | On your device with local models; optional cloud models on Pro |
| Models | One small English model | Several local models, including larger ones; cloud models on Pro |
| Languages | English only | Multiple languages |
| Modes and AI formatting | None; plain transcription | Modes for formatting and rewriting |
| Inserting text | Auto-paste on Mac; copied to the clipboard on Windows (press Ctrl+V) | Types into the active app |
| Shortcut | Fn or Option+M on Mac, Alt+M on Windows; press to start, press to stop | Configurable |
| Account | None | Check superwhisper.com |
| History | Searchable local history, CSV export | History in the app |
What Superwhisper Does Well
- Choice of models. You can pick local models to suit your hardware, including larger ones, and Pro adds cloud models.
- Modes. Set up different behaviors for different kinds of writing, including AI formatting.
- Many platforms. Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.
- A generous free tier. Unlimited dictation with local models, at the time of writing.
What Chirp Does Differently
Both apps can keep your audio on your computer. Superwhisper's local models do that too. The difference with Chirp is that local is the only option. There's no cloud model to choose, no account to create and nothing to configure. Install it, grant microphone access (plus Accessibility on a Mac so it can paste), and press Fn or Option+M to start and stop. On Windows, press Alt+M. The text is copied to the clipboard and you press Ctrl+V.
Chirp transcribes on your computer with whisper.cpp and deletes the recording as soon as the text is ready. The text is kept in a local history on your computer. There is no account and no analytics. Chirp goes online only to check for updates when it launches and, once you have a license, to check it about once a day (it keeps working for up to 7 days offline between checks).
Pricing
Chirp includes 28 free transcriptions, then a $9.99/year license (up to 5 devices) unlocks unlimited use. At the time of writing (September 2026), Superwhisper's free tier includes local models, and Pro costs $8.49 per month, $84.99 per year or $249.99 lifetime. Check superwhisper.com for current prices.
Who Each Is For
Superwhisper is excellent if you want a choice of models (including larger ones), other languages, AI modes, cloud options or dictation on your phone.
If you want dictation that never leaves your computer, with one small English model, one shortcut and no account, try Chirp. It runs on macOS 13 or later and Windows 10 and 11.
FAQ
Do Chirp and Superwhisper both work offline?
Yes. Superwhisper's local models run on your device, and its free tier includes unlimited dictation with local models. Chirp also transcribes on your device. The difference is that Chirp has no cloud option at all, while Superwhisper Pro adds optional cloud models.
How much do Chirp and Superwhisper cost?
Chirp includes 28 free transcriptions, then a $9.99/year license (up to 5 devices) unlocks unlimited use. At the time of writing (September 2026), Superwhisper has a free tier with local models, and Superwhisper Pro costs $8.49 per month, $84.99 per year or $249.99 for a lifetime license. Check superwhisper.com for current prices.
Does Superwhisper work on Windows?
Yes. Superwhisper lists apps for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android. Chirp runs on macOS 13 or later (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows 10 and 11 (x64), and has no mobile app.
Which one has more models and languages?
Superwhisper. It lets you choose between several local models, including larger ones, and adds cloud models on Pro. Chirp ships one small English model (ggml-tiny.en-q5_0) and is English only.
Why would I pick Chirp over Superwhisper?
Pick Chirp if you want something deliberately simple: one model, one shortcut, nothing to tune, no account, and no cloud mode you could switch on by accident. If you want choice and power, Superwhisper is the better fit.
For more options, including built-in dictation on Mac and Windows, see our private, offline dictation guide.
Last updated: September 2026. Superwhisper details are from superwhisper.com at the time of writing. Pricing and features change, so check each product's website for the latest information.