What is Superwhisper?
Superwhisper is a voice-to-text application that uses OpenAI's Whisper models (and other LLMs) to transcribe speech into formatted, context-aware text. Unlike basic dictation tools, it goes beyond raw transcription by applying AI post-processing to clean up grammar, adjust tone, and format output based on configurable modes.
It works system-wide — activate it with ⌥ + Space, speak, and the transcribed text is automatically pasted into whatever app you're using (Slack, Gmail, Cursor, Notion, etc.).
Key Features
Offline mode — Runs locally on-device using Whisper models, so audio never leaves your machine. No Wi-Fi required.
Predefined & custom modes — Modes like "Formal", "Casual", "Legal", and "Chat" adjust tone, structure, and formatting. You can also build fully custom modes with your own system prompts.
Model flexibility — Choose from multiple AI providers for post-processing: GPT, Claude, Llama, Grok, Gemini, Mistral. You can also bring your own API keys.
100+ languages — Supports multilingual transcription and can translate any language to English.
Clipboard integration — Transcribed text is auto-pasted into the active app. No copy-paste needed.
Meeting assistant — Record and transcribe meetings with automatic note generation.
File transcription — Upload audio/video files for transcription.
Push to talk — Hold, speak, release. Simple control flow.
Custom vocabulary — Add names, abbreviations, and domain-specific terms for better accuracy.
Agentic coding workflows — Works with Cursor, Claude Code, Open Code, Amp, and other coding agents for hands-free development.
Platform Availability
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| macOS | Full support (Apple Silicon + Intel) |
| Windows | Supported |
| iOS | Available on App Store |
| Linux | Not supported |
Intel Macs work best with cloud models; offline/local models perform best on Apple Silicon.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Voice-to-text in any app, meeting recording, 100+ languages, small AI models, custom prompts |
| Pro | $8.49/mo (40% off for students) | Cloud + local AI models, own API keys, translation, file transcription, priority support |
| Yearly | ~$85/year (2 months free) | Same as Pro |
| Lifetime | $249 | One-time payment, all Pro features |
| Enterprise | Custom | SOC 2 Type II, centralized billing, model access control |
Pro features include a 15-minute free trial. 30-day refund policy on all paid plans.
Notable Users & Endorsements
Superwhisper has gained traction among developers and tech founders. Andrej Karpathy popularized the concept of "vibe coding" — using Superwhisper with Cursor to build software almost entirely by voice. Guillermo Rauch (Vercel CEO) and Pieter Levels have also publicly endorsed the tool.
Companies like Vercel, Shopify, OpenAI, Meta, and Spotify are listed as users on the website.
Competitors
| Tool | Price | Offline | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wispr Flow | $15/mo | No | Mac |
| Sotto | $29 one-time | Yes | Mac |
| Voibe | $99 lifetime | Yes | Mac |
| VoiceInk | $39 one-time | Yes | Mac |
| BetterDictation | $24 one-time | Yes | Mac |
| OpenWhispr | Free (OSS) | Yes | Mac, Win, Linux |
| Speakmac | $19 one-time | Yes | Mac |
| macOS Dictation | Free | Yes | Mac |
Superwhisper differentiates through its depth of customization (custom modes, model selection, app-specific settings) and cross-platform availability, but comes at a higher price point than most alternatives.
Links