Wispr Flow is a polished dictation app. It cleans up and formats what you say with AI, supports many languages, and runs on Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. To do that, it transcribes in the cloud. Chirp takes the opposite approach: it transcribes on your own computer, needs no account, and keeps things deliberately simple.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chirp | Wispr Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 28 free transcriptions, then $9.99/year for unlimited use on up to 5 devices | Free: 2,000 words/week on desktop; Pro $15/mo or $144/yr |
| Platforms | macOS 13+, Windows 10/11 | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Where transcription runs | On your computer | In the cloud |
| Internet required | No, not to transcribe | Yes |
| AI cleanup and formatting | None; plain transcription | Yes |
| Languages | English only | Many languages |
| 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 | Requires signing in |
| History | Searchable local history, CSV export | History in the app |
What Wispr Flow Does Well
- AI cleanup and formatting. It tidies filler words and formats text as you speak, which many people love.
- Many languages. Useful if you dictate in more than one language.
- Mobile apps. The same dictation on your phone as on your computer.
- A free plan. 2,000 words a week on desktop, at the time of writing.
What Chirp Does Differently
Wispr Flow says that transcription always happens in the cloud, and that the AI providers it uses are bound by zero-retention and no-training agreements. For many people that's fine. But if you dictate things you'd rather not send anywhere, like client work, health notes or unreleased plans, Chirp keeps the audio on your computer.
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).
Chirp is also deliberately simple. It has one small English model, one shortcut and nothing to tune. On a Mac, press Fn or Option+M, speak, and press it again, and the text is pasted into the app you're using. On Windows, press Alt+M. The text is copied to the clipboard and you press Ctrl+V. Chirp doesn't rewrite your words.
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), Wispr Flow's free plan includes 2,000 words a week on desktop, and Flow Pro costs $15 per month or $144 per year. Check wisprflow.ai for current prices.
Who Each Is For
Wispr Flow is excellent if you want AI cleanup and formatting, many languages, or dictation on your phone as well as your computer, and you're comfortable with cloud transcription.
If you want dictation that never leaves your computer, in English and with no account, try Chirp. It runs on macOS 13 or later and Windows 10 and 11.
FAQ
Does Wispr Flow work offline?
No. Wispr Flow's data controls page says transcription always happens in the cloud, so it needs an internet connection. Chirp transcribes on your computer and doesn't need a connection to transcribe.
What happens to my audio with Wispr Flow?
It is sent to the cloud for transcription. Wispr Flow says the third-party AI providers it uses are bound by zero-retention and no-training agreements. With Chirp, audio never leaves your computer and is deleted right after transcription.
How much do Chirp and Wispr Flow 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), Wispr Flow's free plan includes 2,000 words a week on desktop, and Flow Pro costs $15 per month or $144 per year. Check wisprflow.ai for current prices.
Does Wispr Flow support more languages than Chirp?
Yes. Wispr Flow supports many languages. Chirp is English only.
Do I need an account?
Wispr Flow requires signing in. Chirp has no account, email address or sign-up.
For more on on-device vs cloud dictation and other alternatives, see our private, offline dictation guide.
Last updated: September 2026. Wispr Flow details are from wisprflow.ai at the time of writing. Pricing and features change, so check each product's website for the latest information.