Chirp costs $9.99 per year and runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Superwhisper starts at $9 per month and only runs on Mac. Both process voice locally using Whisper models, but Chirp is roughly 10x cheaper and works across all major desktop platforms.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chirp | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99/yr unlimited | $9/mo Standard, $849/yr Pro |
| Free tier | 28 free transcriptions | Limited free trial |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only |
| Privacy | 100% local processing | Local processing (some AI features use cloud) |
| Internet required | No | No (except AI actions) |
| Auto-paste | Yes, into any app (Fn / Alt+M) | Yes, into any app |
| Transcription history | Searchable local history, CSV export | History available |
| App size | ~95MB | ~200MB+ (varies by model) |
| AI features | Focused on transcription | AI actions, formatting, translation |
| Languages | English (optimized) | Multiple languages |
Pricing
Chirp charges a flat $9.99 per year for unlimited transcriptions and includes 28 free transcriptions so you can try it before paying. Superwhisper's Standard plan is $9 per month ($108/year), and the Pro plan runs $849 per year. For users who simply need reliable voice-to-text, Chirp delivers that at a fraction of the cost.
Platform Support
Superwhisper is exclusive to macOS. If you use Windows at work and Mac at home, or if you run Linux, Superwhisper is not an option. Chirp supports macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon with Metal acceleration), Windows 10+, and Linux, all from a single ~95MB download.
Privacy and Offline Use
Both apps process transcriptions locally, which is a significant privacy advantage over cloud-based alternatives. Superwhisper does route some AI action features through external servers. Chirp is 100% offline with no cloud component at all -- your audio never leaves your device.
AI Features vs Simplicity
Superwhisper offers AI-powered actions like text formatting, translation, and custom commands. These are valuable if you need post-processing built into your transcription tool. Chirp takes a different approach: it focuses on doing one thing well -- fast, accurate voice-to-text with auto-paste into any application. If you want a simple, distraction-free workflow, Chirp's approach may be preferable.
Verdict
Superwhisper is a capable Mac app with advanced AI features that justify its higher price for power users who need them. But if your primary need is affordable, cross-platform, offline voice-to-text, Chirp is the clear choice. At $9.99/year with support for macOS, Windows, and Linux, Chirp delivers the core transcription experience at a price that's hard to beat.
Last updated: February 2026. Pricing and features may change. Check each product's website for the latest information.